Sponsored by the Program Planning and Diversity and Social Justice Committees

Anti-fat attitudes have a long and complex history, deeply rooted in cultural, philosophical, and economic factors. In the past century, the medicalization of fat bodies has resulted in the pathologizing of individuals based on their body size. In this presentation we will explore the historical foundations of anti-fat attitudes and examine the current moral panic of fat bodies. We will then shift the conversation to practical considerations in the therapeutic relationship. A deep dive into the research regarding the connection among weight, weight loss and health will be provided. In addition, a modern take on therapeutic interventions to address body image in the context of an anti-fat world will be shared.