Weight science refers to research about weight loss methods, and the connection between weight and various health conditions, including purported harms of higher weights, and claims of efficacy and benefits of weight loss.

A basic understanding of our human stress response is helpful for making sense of the role of weight stigma and other oppressions on our health. Reducing the chronic stress of weight stigma can improve health.

For people in larger bodies, there are daily reminders that they do not fit here, that they do not belong. They must be constantly thinking about these things and planning how to navigate a world not built for them.

Here are some other terms and phrases that you might hear used in body liberation discussions: orthorexia; fatmisia; concern trolling. Familiarity with them will help in navigating body liberation spaces.

FAT – Those three letters can sure stir up a lot of emotions! Shame to joy, stigma to liberation, and these days, sometimes they cause confusion and questions. We can reclaim it as a neutral descriptor.

The racist origin story of the Body Mass Index (BMI) has been well-documented, and its current use continues to perpetuate stereotypes and misinformation. Here are some better options.