Weight Stigma Awareness Week activities
September 29, 2020
National Weight Stigma Awareness Week is Sept. 28-Oct. 2, and the Nanook Diversity and Action Center is hosting a variety of activities to raise awareness.
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. Attention given to weight control has skyrocketed in recent years, ingraining words like "BMI," "obesity epidemic" and "diet" into the national vocabulary. Since the rise of national obesity prevention campaigns, the incidence of weight stigma has increased about 66%. The research is clear: overemphasizing weight can encourage disordered eating and have counterproductive effects. This coming week we encourage you to join us in learning about weight stigma and how you can end weight hate.
QR code scavenger hunt
Sept. 28-Oct. 2
This event is a fun way to learn a little more about weight stigma and why it is important. Join the fun by scanning the QR codes posted around the Fairbanks campus and share your progress on social media. Participants who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered to win Nanook diversity gear! The scavenger hunt must be completed between Sept. 28 and Oct. 2.
To be entered to win:
1. Find each of the 5 QR codes
2. Follow NDAC on Instagram @uafndac
3. Create an Instagram post with a #WeightStigmaAwarness
4. Complete the scavenger hunt form
Panel: "Weight Stigma and Its Impact on Wellness"
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4-6 p.m.
Tune in to hear medical experts and advocates from all over the U.S. explain us why weight stigma is both a detrimental social injustice and a public health issue. 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
I Weigh campaign
Tabling will be:
Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
October 2nd, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
What do you weigh in your life — family, friends, hobbies, skills? Stop by Wood Center and pick up an #IWeigh heart to celebrate what you weigh most!
You can download a flyer (PDF) here. For more information, email the Nanook Diversity and Action Center at uaf-ndac@alaska.edu.