Taking Weight Out of the Equation: Unintended Harms of Weight-Focused Health Discourse in Schools

Weight-neutral approaches emphasize improving individuals' relationships with food and prioritizing emotional and physical well-being over the pursuit of a lower weight as well as support the reduction of stigma experienced by persons with larger bodies. Discourse about health in schools needs to consider students of all sizes as well as the complexities of the relationship that individuals develop with their bodies. A comprehensive school health (CSH) approach is fundamental to ensuring well-being for every body, including teachers and school staff. We offer concrete suggestions for approaching health discourse from a weight-neutral lens, thus optimizing the health of the entire school community.