Obesity Is Not the Problem: De-Stigmatizing Higher Weights in the Care of Children and Adolescents
Presented by: Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH, FAAP
December 14, 2023
Obesity and related stigma have a direct impact on the practice of psychological care. Weight stigma from family members, peers via bullying, healthcare providers, or society at large through media and social media messaging can negatively impact an adolescent’s mental health, leading to low self-esteem and even diagnosed conditions, like anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia. It can also significantly impact physical health by contributing to the development or worsening of eating disorders. This CME will focus on weight-neutral medical practice and will educate psychological and psychiatric providers to not only prevent further harm to patients at higher weights, but also promote healing around weight-related mental and physical health challenges.
