Weight Bias in Education


Educational institutions should be a safe learning space for students. They should provide a space for students to learn about various topics, socialize and make friends. However, it’s one of the main settings where bullying takes place.

Weight bias in education can come from peers, teachers and even administrators. Students look up to their teachers as role models and look at them for guidance and knowledge. If teachers or administrators are showing weight bias towards students it can affect their learning and give them a sense of rejection.

Experiencing weight bias in education could cause mental and physical health problems at a young age and discourage people from wanting to learn or socialize.


Students with excess weight or obesity are seen as being:

  • Untidy
  • More emotional
  • Less likely to succeed at school
  • More likely to have family problems

Teachers and administrators’ opinions can often shape how students see themselves and can affect their self-confidence. This can affect them for the rest of their lives even when they are out of school. If we stop weight bias in education, then students may be able to have higher confidence levels and have better social relationships.

Bullying And Bias From Peers

Bullying and bias from peers can continue throughout a student’s entire educational experience. Harassment and rejection from peers because of weight is all too common and can cause serious long-term damage to students.


Education
Along with social isolation, weight bias from peers can cause:

  • Lowered self-confidence
  • Weight gain
  • Eating disorders

What can I do to #StopWeightBias ?

1. Ask yourself if you hold negative opinions about people with excess weight. If so, remember obesity is a complex disease with multiple causes including genetic, biological, and other noncontrollable factors.

2. Challenge people who express negative opinions about people with excess weight.

3. Be Part of the Solution. With your help, we can build a better world, free of weight bias. We deserve a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Join the movement to Stop Weight Bias!
Click Here to Get Started!