As we work toward making our public health pedagogy and classrooms more inclusive and trauma-informed, it is imperative that we are intentional about how we represent and talk about bodies, weight and health, and how welcome people feel in our programs. 

Here are some things to consider about weight-loss drugs from a body liberation + public health perspective. In any case, our work toward an equitable world for people in larger bodies continues.

We want to highlight this amazing group of medical students as an example of how those of us working in health fields and education can take a stand and make a difference in reducing weight stigma and anti-fat bias in our work and in society.

By Erin Bransford - Weight stigma and diet culture are deeply entrenched in the fitness and recreation industries. What can a fitness and recreation professional do to push back against this harmful narrative and create a facility, programs, and services that are welcoming to all bodies?

Here is an example of advocacy on behalf of weight-inclusive policy, including students speaking up, faculty and staff supporting them, and administrators listening. Learn about a Fat Justice Journal Club and its advocacy project.

Creating workplaces that are inclusive of people of all sizes involves physical and visual aspects, as well as the topics of "water cooler banter." Explore ways that both organizations and individuals can make people of all sizes feel welcome at work.

What do we mean by "feeling comfortable in our body," and where do these “feelings” come from? An examination of what underlies these feelings is critical to uprooting our own implicit anti-fat bias and working toward body liberation for all.

By Katie Borofka - What if public health focused on compassion, pleasure, and a radical divestment from shame? Surely, there is space alongside disease prevention for feeling good in our bodies.

One of the most fundamental ways that we can enshrine our values is to create policy that manifests those values. Weight-inclusive policy aligns with principles of inclusion (anti-discrimination), access (universal design), and human rights.