While body positivity and acceptance is becoming more ubiquitous, our society admittedly has a long way to go. Not only do constant weight-biased messages of a “perfect” or “ideal” body permeate media and advertising, but even healthcare providers and people in our social circles can inadvertently discriminate against large bodies . What Is Weight Stigma and How Does It Affect People? Weight stigma refers to one’s social devaluation and denigration due to excess body weight, and can lead to stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, among other negative experiences, and is seriously concerning for overall individual and societal health, notes StatPearls . According to a Survey and Special Report: Weight Loss Reframed published by Everyday Health January 2024, which surveyed 3,144 people living in the United States about their experiences and perceptions on weight loss , one-quarter of all respondents said social media negatively impacts them and it was not uncommon to call themselves “overweight” or “fat”. Additionally, one-third of participants had experienced shame for their weight from someone close to them. And most responded that weight affected their self-image , and reaching a goal or “normal” weight would increase happiness. In regards to healthcare, a recent review published in February 2023 in Current Obesity Reports found obesity stigma contributes to poorer treatment for people in larger bodies, and that there’s growing evidence that healthcare providers have strong biases, both implicit and explicit, against people with obesity. This raises concerns about the future of provider-patient relationships and care outcomes for patients dealing with weight-related issues — especially for women, gender nonconforming people, people of color, and people experiencing socioeconomic challenges, where a provider’s weight stigma may couple with other biases, potentially exacerbating the situation. “This discrimination stems from systemic fatphobia that severely, negatively impacts the quality of life for large bodied people,” says Lisa N. Folden, doctor of physical therapy, a Natonal Academy of Sports Medicine–certified behavior change specialist, anti-diet health and body image coach, and owner of Healthy Phit Physical Therapy and Wellness Consultants based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Vital programs, such as the Health at Every Size (HAES) principles — a weight-inclusive healthcare model — may help deter this discrimination and stigma, Dr. Folden explains. RELATED: Everyday Health’s Survey and Special Report: Weight Loss Reframed Finding Support for Health at Every Size One way to access resources and connections with like-minded individuals is through support organizations, many of which abide by the HAES principles. “Support organizations can assist in spreading the message of body positivity or neutrality and HAES by embracing body diversity,” says Folden. “This means centering the voices, opinions, and experiences of people in large and diverse bodies. This means improving representation so that [overweight] people aren’t an afterthought continuously ignored or shamed. And it also means speaking out against body shaming, supporting anti-diet platforms, and embracing fitness for its significant benefits (not body changes).” Not only are support organizations working to increase awareness about healthy bodies at every size, but many offer services, education, and other tools that individuals can access for better well-being. Such support is important for anyone, “but especially people who live in large bodies, women, and girls, and anyone who lacks the resources and knowledge to fully embody body neutrality or positivity, and true self-love,” says Folden. Here are seven support organizations for health at every size to consider incorporating into your health and wellness journey. 1. Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) Founded in 2003, the Association for Size Diversity and Health is a nonprofit organization and the steward of the Health at Every Size principles, whose mission is to educate and advocate for anti-discrimination against body weight. Not only does the ASDAH work to eliminate body shaming and discrimination, but they are also opponents of the body mass index (BMI), a subjective tool based on body weight and height as a measurement of health. You can learn more about this movement through the organization’s Abolish the BMI Coalition . Those who are interested in becoming a paid member of the ASDAH also have the opportunity to connect with other members and businesses worldwide. And, if you’re looking for a dietitian, counselor, or other healthcare provider who follows HAES principles, the ASDAH offers a helpful directory where you can browse by expert type and location. Note: ASDAH owns the trademark to Health at Every Size. 2. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) As perhaps the leading organization fighting against eating disorder development , the National Eating Disorders Association also works to support body acceptance and body diversity awareness. In fact, the NEDA advocates for the HAES approach , which emphasizes health beyond the scale. They also promote an annual Body Acceptance Week , which is another opportunity for communities to access resources and education to help prevent disordered eating habits. You can access a multitude of resources from the NEDA for yourself or loved ones, such as educational articles on eating disorders, a free screening tool for people ages 13 and older, and resources for treatment and support . Its Instagram @neda is also a source of positive messaging and education. 3. Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) The Obesity Action Coalition was founded in 2005 out of a mission to represent individuals affected by obesity. While the nonprofit organization perhaps mostly focused on obesity treatment in its beginnings, the OAC has since evolved into an advocacy organization, too. One of its top issues is weight bias , and the goal is to fight obesity stigma in schools, communities, and healthcare facilities by promoting education about the condition. It also offers a brochure outlining such biases as a starting point, as well as other weight bias resources . Plus, you can join the more than 80,000 members of the OAC Community for educational, support, and volunteer opportunities. 4. The Body Positive Since its founding in 1996, The Body Positive has worked to create a community of body positivity and to fight body-shaming messages that are perpetuated by society. For the last two decades, the organization has founded multiple body positivity programs in schools to help adolescents and teenagers, as well as community and clinician settings. On an individual level, you can enroll in the Be Body Positive Fundamentals at-home course to help yourself and others learn how to overcome negative body image perceptions. You may also consider The Body Positive Institute , which is an educational program offering courses for individuals, educators, and clinicians. Aside from educational opportunities, The Body Positive is also active on its blog and social media platforms with the latest news and research. 5. National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) Focused on a mission to promote equality at every size, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance is considered a social justice organization. Its diverse and multigenerational membership has formed chapters across the country since the 1970s to promote inclusion and acceptance of all body sizes. Its efforts go beyond social messaging, however, as the NAAFA is also active in regional and national legislation that seeks to outlaw discrimination against body size. You can read more about the efforts and victories from the organization’s Campaign for Size Freedom , as well as the ways you can get involved. The NAAFA even offers a host of free online events and virtual get-togethers , volunteer opportunities, and helpful information on its blog and Instagram @naafaofficial . 6. Body Empowerment Project Established in 2021 by two women who worked on eating disorder awareness at the University of Pennsylvania, the Body Empowerment Project is a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting body positivity and decreasing the risk of eating disorders as early in life as possible. In fact, the group works specifically with adolescents, a group who are often exposed to body shaming, diet culture , and messages of body “perfection” for the first time. On top of this, the Body Empowerment Project targets its work in communities who don’t have access to preventive healthcare or treatments. The organization offers after-school programs for middle and high school students in the Philadelphia area, university-level chapters to promote body positivity and fight against anti-fat discrimination, and professional training opportunities for corporations, healthcare workers, and individuals. You can also find the latest news and research from the Body Empowerment Project on Instagram @body_empowerment_project . 7. Seek Her Foundation With a goal of empowering women to change the intersections of mental health and gender gaps, the Seek Her Foundation focuses on issues of body image, as well as diversity, inclusion, and self-advocacy. The organization’s work in body image addresses startling statistics, such as its report that 90 percent of women are not happy with their bodies. To help change this, the Seek Her Foundation continues to raise money in communities to support school programs that teach body positivity, and provides body-inclusive trainings for healthcare practitioners. On a more individual level, the organization offers free online workshops and events , as well as a self-care quiz that can give you more insights into your well-being and relationship with your body. Everyday Health ‘s Weight Loss Reframed Survey queried 3,144 Americans nationwide ages 18 and older who had tried losing weight in the previous six months. The study was fielded between July 10 and August 18, 2023, across demographic groups, genders, and health conditions. Survey recruitment took place via an online portal, in app, and via email. The margin of error for the sample size of 3,144 is +/-1.7 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.
