Panel discussion on weight stigma and wellness Sept. 30

September 22, 2020

University Relations

The Nanook Diversity and Action Center invites everyone to a panel discussion on weight stigma and wellness on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 4-6 p.m. The event is part of National Weight Stigma Awareness Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 2.

Weight stigma is discrimination based on a person's size. It manifests in fatphobia, which is the dislike or fear of being or becoming fat.

Weight stigma poses a significant threat to psychological and physical health. It has been documented as a significant risk factor for depression, body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. Those who experience weight-based stigmatization also:

• engage in more frequent binge eating,


• are at an increased risk for eating disorder symptoms, and


• are more likely to have a diagnosis for binge eating disorder.

Victims of weight stigma report physicians and family members are the most common source of weight bias. Among family members, weight-based teasing and diet talk are linked to binge eating, weight gain and extreme weight control behaviors. Weight bias in health care is another important concern.

Research shows that healthcare providers, when talking to patients in large bodies, tend to:

• provide them with less health information,


• spend less time with them


• view them as undisciplined, annoying and noncompliant with treatment.

The panel will include mental health clinicians, registered dieticians, eating disorder specialists and advocates from all over the U.S. to discuss why weight stigma is both a detrimental social injustice and a public health issue.

"Weight Stigma and Its Impact on Wellness"
Register for the webinar event

Featured panelists:
Gloria Lucas, CEO
Nalgona Positivity Pride

Meredith Nisbet, licensed marriage and family therapist, and Health at Every Size expert
Three Birds Counseling and Clinical Supervision

Beth Rose, co-founder
Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance

Jenny Louden, co-founder
Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance

Grace Schumacher, certified eating disorder registered dietitian

You can download a flyer here. Questions? Contact the Nanook Diversity and Action Center at uaf-ndac@alaska.edu.