AED Condemns Body-Shaming and Other Approaches Used to Reduce Obesity
January 30, 2012
There is a growing concern within the global community of eating disorders professionals about body shaming and weight prejudice in public endeavors to reduce obesity. While efforts to improve public health and well-being are applauded, it is of concern when shame, blame and ridicule are used for such a purpose. Research points to the adverse impact of body shame, which is associated with eating pathology. Also concerning is the parent-blaming evident in many awareness-raising campaigns about childhood obesity.