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Body Weight Stigma in Physical Activity Settings
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2018
Year
Body Weight StigmaPhysical ActivityAdapted Physical ActivityWeight ManagementSocietal Body IdealsSocial Determinants Of HealthPhysical Activity SpacesObesityEating DisordersPublic HealthHealth SciencesSocial StigmaSport ParticipationMental Health StigmaHealth PromotionBody StigmaPhysical Activity EpidemiologySociologyHealth BehaviorWomen's Exercise CulturePsychological BenefitsBody ImageLifestyle Change
Given societal body ideals praising thinness and muscularity, physical activity spaces can bedifficult to navigate for those in larger bodies. Thus, stigma serves as a strong barrier to participation. Inthis study, the authors explore ways that body stigma affects larger individuals’ participation in physicalactivity. This authors employed qualitative, semi-structured interviews (N = 9), regarding personal experi-ences of body weight stigma. Results suggest that body stigma is common and that various discriminatoryexperiences led participants away from participating. Given the prevalence of prejudicial behaviors, whichexclude larger individuals, the authors argue for more inclusive physical activity spaces and practices.