All bodies are good bodies and health can be achieved at any size. Approaches focused on dieting, weight loss and appearance can harm self-esteem and mental wellness. Instead, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) promotes behaviours that have been shown to keep people healthy.
Read our position statement, Healthy Weights Philosophy and Approach.
What is weight bias?
Weight bias is negative attitudes and beliefs about people based on their weight, shape, appearance, or Body Mass Index (BMI). Weight bias exists in the media, health care, schools, workplaces and day to day interactions with others. Experiencing weight bias can impact your health and wellness.
Resources
Find resources to help promote body confidence and overall health without focusing on weight.
Resources for parents and educators
- A Tool for Every Parent
- How to talk to your child about weight bias
- The Body Book (A fun rhyming book about body diversity and acceptance for young children)
- A Tool for Every Teacher
- Nurturing Healthy Eaters in the Classroom (Elementary)
- Nurturing Healthy Eaters in the Classroom (Secondary)
- Mental Health and Weight Bias in Schools
- 10 Ways to Improve the School Food Environment
- NEDIC Beyond Images (Curriculum for students in grades 4-8 to explore body image, self-esteem, and media messaging, while developing critical thinking skills)