Bullying Against Overweight People Everywhere

Research has shown that even fitness and nutrition professionals, as well as some healthcare workers, may hold weight-related biases toward individuals with obesity. It is very important for weight-loss specialists to be aware of these biases, even if they are unintentional, because they may negatively affect the relationship between the coach and the client, as well as the client’s psychological and physical health.

The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is a free tool that allows you to examine your own weight-related biases. Taking the Weight Implicit Association Test (Weight IAT) can help you become more aware of any biases you may have before working with clients.

In many cases, obesity is attributed to laziness, impulsivity, and overeating rather than to biological, psychological, and social causes. Unfortunately, weight stigma associated with a perceived lack of willpower increases the likelihood that people with obesity will engage in unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, such as overeating, avoiding physical activity, and developing a negative body image as a way of coping with negative emotions. This, in turn, may reduce an individual’s motivation to lose weight and, in some cases, may even lead to further weight gain.