Are you Weightist?
I sometimes ask a client this statement and they give me a puzzled look. Huh? What is weightist? Being weightist is having a bias or discrimination against people who are overweight, including yourself.
Since this past week was Weight Stigma Awareness Week I thought it apropos to do this blog and call attention to this prejudice.
Weight is a complex issue of genes, metabolism, circumstances, and economics.
An individual may be overweight from the family they grew up in, from emotional eating, or even from a medical issue as simple as having to take a medication that caused them to gain weight.
Many times an individual may be the most prejudice against their own weight. How many times a day do you beat yourself up for your body size? It’s amazing that most know how shaming a child for a particular issue is not helpful or productive, yet they continually do it to themselves.
What can you do if you are weightist?
For one thing if you are reading this blog, awareness is the first step.
If you see someone who is overweight or obese, try to withhold judgment. See if you can find some positive trait or even ask yourself what is it about that you need to think about someone’s particular body shape or size.
Being weightist may even be subconsciously sabotaging your own health and goals. Be kind to yourself and others.
Recurrent judgment of weight will not create positive movement towards change.
If you want to change your weight and/or health, find a qualified health-care professional who can assist you in your journey. Weightist thoughts are hurtful but taking action can be truly helpful for creating change within.
