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Weight Stigma

Welcome to the Weight Stigma Guide

When we talk about weight stigma, we are thinking about the social assumptions about individuals with various weights and body shapes, as well as how they are treated within the realm of healthcare. While creating this LibGuide, we spent a lot of time trying to figure out the best title. Anti-fat bias excluded those who have stigma about their weight or body at the smaller end of the spectrum. The same could be said if using “increased adipose tissue” as is sometimes used in medicine. We avoided using BMI, as it is a mathematical equation which does not account for differences in body habitus, such as muscle mass or bone density. So, while we are not in love with “Weight Stigma” it seemed the best option at this point in time. Perhaps we will change it again, as all of this keeps evolving.

We are looking to bring more understanding to how all bodies are treated in healthcare, with an emphasis on how those who are viewed as ‘abnormal’ or ‘unhealthy’ are treated differently, and often negatively to the detriment of their health.

How to navigate the tabs:

  1. Browse by Category: Click on any of the tabs to view links categorized by type (e.g., Scholarly Articles, Popular Media, etc.).
  2. Switch Between Tabs: Click on a different tab to explore other categories. The content for each category will appear directly below.
  3. Find What You Need: Each tab contains resources relevant to its category, making it easier to find specific information types.

What type of information is included under each of the categories?

  • Books in our Collection: As it sounds, these are books that we have available, either in print or digitally, for you to read.
  • Corporate/Informational Pages: These are official web pages created by companies or organizations to provide customers with specific information about their products, services, or policies. The content is authoritative and practical but may be biased toward the organization’s interests.
  • Nonprofit/Educational Resources: These pages are produced by nonprofit organizations or educational institutions to offer evidence-based information and support on specific issues. They aim to educate, raise awareness, and provide resources to the public.
  • Podcasts: Podcasts are audio programs available for streaming or download, often featuring discussions, interviews, or storytelling on a wide range of topics. They are typically created by experts, enthusiasts, or media organizations and are designed to be informative, entertaining, and accessible to a broad audience.
  • Popular Media Articles: These articles are written for a general audience and are typically found in magazines, newspapers, or online platforms. They focus on making information accessible and engaging, often summarizing complex topics in a simplified manner.
  • Scholarly Articles: These articles are often peer-reviewed publications written by experts in a particular field, often found in academic journals. They provide in-depth analysis and original research intended for a professional or academic audience.
  • Deeper Dives: These are books that are recommended on this topic, but the library does not own a copy at this time. You can always try to see if it's available through your local public library or even Boston Public Library. More about that on the tab.