Weight stigma is a pervasive sociocultural phenomenon linked to diet culture, thin-ideal internalization, and widespread misconceptions about the relationship between weight and health—many of which are reinforced by reliance on the BMI scale. This workshop examines how weight stigma contributes to mental health concerns including eating disorders, anxiety, depression, shame, and trauma responses. The course will also highlight how implicit weight bias among mental health professionals can inadvertently reinforce harm and impede treatment. Drawing on current empirical literature, the workshop introduces weight-inclusive, evidence-informed clinical approaches designed to enhance therapeutic attunement, reduce clinician bias, and improve outcomes for clients across the weight spectrum. Case examples and applied strategies will equip clinicians to integrate these approaches into clinical practice effectively.
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/HowWeight/viewHow Weight Stigma Impacts Mental Health
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT - 1:00 PM EDT
Presenter: Toby Schwartz, LCSW
Course Length: 3 Hours
This workshop Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
Weight stigma is a pervasive sociocultural phenomenon linked to diet culture, thin-ideal internalization, and widespread misconceptions about the relationship between weight and health—many of which are reinforced by reliance on the BMI scale. This workshop examines how weight stigma contributes to mental health concerns including eating disorders, anxiety, depression, shame, and trauma responses. The course will also highlight how implicit weight bias among mental health professionals can inadvertently reinforce harm and impede treatment. Drawing on current empirical literature, the workshop introduces weight-inclusive, evidence-informed clinical approaches designed to enhance therapeutic attunement, reduce clinician bias, and improve outcomes for clients across the weight spectrum. Case examples and applied strategies will equip clinicians to integrate these approaches into clinical practice effectively.
I. Introduction & Overview (20 minutes)
Definition of weight stigma
Overview of societal and clinical relevance
II. Development of Weight Stigma (40 minutes)
Sociocultural and familial contributors
Diet culture and thin-ideal messaging
Problems with BMI as a health measure
III. Mental Health Impacts of Weight Stigma (30 minutes)
Eating disorders and disordered eating
Anxiety, depression, and trauma responses
Case examples illustrating psychological sequelae
IV. Treating Clients from a Weight-Inclusive Framework (30 minutes)
HAES-aligned interventions
Reducing clinician bias
Therapeutic language and reframing techniques
V. Case Presentation (30 minutes)
Application of weight-inclusive treatment
Discussion of clinical decision-making
VI. Questions, Integration & Closing (30 minutes)
Clinical takeaways
Strategies for implementation