A Condensed Summary of Research and Recommendations by the Body Image Research Lab

Weight bias includes the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes about individuals with large bodies. Diet culture is characterized by a preference for thin bodies, moralization of weight, and a belief that thinness represents good health. Weight bias and diet culture beliefs can permeate all aspects of our lives, including health promotion efforts in schools that seek to improve the health of students through a focus on body weight. A weight-neutral approach considers various dimensions of health and is focused on choices and behaviours instead of weight. The weight-neutral approach is health-promoting and inclusive for all bodies.

Weight is very complex, and influenced by numerous factors including genetics, culture, food environment, and physical activity. When health messages in the school setting suggest that a so-called “healthy weight” is completely under an individual’s control, weight bias in the school setting is unintentionally perpetuated, and students with larger bodies may experience greater stigma. Students of all sizes report bullying based on weight more frequently than bullying based on academic ability, physical ability, race, religion, or class. Weight-based bullying in the school setting teaches weight bias to both victims and bystanders and is associated with several negative physical and psychological consequences, including body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours. 

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that arise from a complex combination of factors. Some students are more vulnerable to developing an eating disorder due to genetic factors, family environment, personality, or co-occurring mental conditions (i.e. autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and anxiety). An emphasis on maintaining a “healthy weight” increases eating disorder risk even when the dangers of eating disorders are discussed in the classroom. Even very young students may have weight-loss goals that can distort their interpretation of health messages in school. Research has found that learning assignments that invite students to measure their weight/BMI or encourage the tracking of food, calories, steps, or other forms of exercise can prime vulnerable students for a disordered and unhealthy relationship with their bodies.

Read a student's perspective on how assignments and messages in Health can increase eating disorder risk in an essay Dear Health Teacher.

A Comprehensive School Health approach considers the multi-dimensional wellbeing of all members of a school community and relies on four inter-related components related to health education and health promotion. The Comprehensive School Health framework is a useful tool for considering how to ensure health is promoted from a weight-neutral perspective in the school setting. While each school will have its own specific needs to address, the following suggestions are recommended for creating schools where all students can thrive.