Weight Bias in Schools and How Physical Educators Can Assist in Its Demise

Authors

  • Chris Ehlert Marshalltown Community School District, Iowa
  • Rip Marston University of Northern Iowa.
  • Fabio Fontana University of Northern Iowa
  • Jennifer Waldron University of Northern Iowa

Abstract

One of the unfortunate side effects of the current global obesity pandemic is an increasing anti-fat bias toward overweight and obese individuals. The teaching profession is not immune from having its members included in the ranks of those possessing negative stereotypes associated with overweight or obese individuals. We provide the reader with a literature review of the bias held by individuals within society, provide the relationship of the bias to bullying, and suggest several avenues physical educators can explore in assisting to diminish the bias and its effects. 

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Published

2015-09-29

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Section

Articles