Shame and blame as health strategies: A discussion of Health At Every Size(R) interventions for children and teens

The terminology around a "war on childhood obesity" appeared around 2004, but kicked into high gear the following year when the government mandated that school districts receiving federal reimbursement for food programs must develop a Student Wellness Policy. Since this initial policy directive, many community and school settings have taken it upon themselves to target fat kids. In many states, Body Mass Index has become a primary determinant of whether a child is deemed healthy (or not) by both educators and public healthcare providers. Much of the health messaging that has been developed to address ‘childhood obesity' employs tactics of shaming, blaming, and finger pointing, and fat children and teens are often singled out from their peers for weight reduction and/or physical activity interventions within school settings. Research has demonstrated that weight-focused programs can amplify stigmatization of fat kids, increase disordered eating, and encourage bullying of children based solely on body size. As an alternative, health strategies for youth based on a Health At Every Size(R) approach may minimize stigmatization and weight-based bullying through celebrating the beauty and health of a diverse range of body sizes. When weight-neutral HAES(SM) programs are provided, schools and communities can offer an inclusive opportunity for children and teens across the size spectrum to learn about health and wellness. This presentation will focus on how implementing Health At Every Size® strategies can empower youth to engage in sustainable physical activity, healthful eating, and many other health -promoting behaviors.