We all have bodies, and our bodies intersect in so many ways with our other identities. In every case, our bodies are impacted by our various identities and how they are either celebrated, welcomed, marginalized or oppressed by society.

There are a lot of incorrect assumptions about eating disorders, and participating in body liberation requires knowing some basic correct information. You cannot tell if a person has an eating disorder by looking at them.

We Value Representation: In public health, we work to ensure representation of a variety of lived experiences and perspectives, especially when our work is focusing on a particular community. This must include people in larger bodies.

Best Practices: Recommending intentional weight loss does not meet the standard for a best practice, and has the potential to cause harm. We can more effectively improve health with weight-neutral, sustainable approaches.

Focus on Equity: Including weight stigma in our anti-oppression work allows us to take a more inclusive and expansive approach to equity. Body liberation adds an important piece to our liberatory, health-enhancing work.

Health is Multi-Dimensional: Our health encompasses much more than just nutrition and exercise. A multi-dimensional view is more balanced and more respectful of a variety of cultures, as well as individual autonomy.

by Da’Shaun L. Harrison (2021).

by Christy Harrison (2019).

by Joy Arlene Renee Cox, PhD (2020).