Sizeism Archives - DEI Learning Hub

Addressing Sizeism: Fostering Respect and Fairness for All Body Types

Justinne Lugue on November 5, 2024

Sizeism—discrimination based on someone’s body size—is a subtle but powerful force that shapes experiences and opportunities for many individuals. While we often talk about biases related to race, gender, and disability, the harmful effects of sizeism can be just as damaging, yet frequently go unnoticed. At US² Consulting, we believe that every person, regardless of their body size, deserves to be treated with fairness and respect in all settings.

Sizeism can show up in many forms. For example, people with larger bodies may be unfairly labeled as lazy or less capable, while individuals who are very thin or short might be dismissed as underqualified or not authoritative. This type of bias can affect hiring decisions, leadership opportunities, and even day-to-day interactions, creating an environment where people are valued less for their skills and abilities and more for their physical appearance.

The consequences of sizeism extend beyond personal bias; they influence how people are treated and the opportunities they are given. Individuals on either end of the size spectrum—whether they are very tall, short, heavy, or thin—may feel marginalized, overlooked, or underestimated based on their body size. This not only damages their sense of self-worth but can also undermine morale, confidence, and performance in the workplace.

To create a truly welcoming and supportive environment, organizations must confront sizeism in all its forms. This means challenging harmful stereotypes, reevaluating policies that may unintentionally perpetuate size-based bias, and fostering a culture where people are appreciated for their contributions and talents, not their appearance. By addressing sizeism, we can build a workplace where everyone, regardless of their body type, feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

At US² Consulting, we are committed to helping organizations recognize and address sizeism, creating spaces where everyone is seen, heard, welcomed, and valued. Ending size-based bias is a crucial step toward ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they fall on the height and weight spectrum.

November – Sizeism

US² Consulting on November 1, 2023

Sizeism is discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping based on size, including height and/or weight. Sizeist attitudes tend to treat people of other sizes negatively with the belief that their size is superior to that of other people. Despite the issue being extremely prevalent, there are currently no specific anti-discrimination laws to prohibit sizeism.

You can be fat and happy | Sofie Hagen | TEDxLondonWomen

Sofie Hagen, in her talk at TEDxLondonWomen, discusses the struggle of hating her body intensely and how she was able to change that. She talks about seeing a fat woman on the internet who claimed that she loved her body, and how it occurred to her just then that she is allowed to do that. This experience allowed her to strip away the negativity from the word “fat” and changed the way she saw the world around her. Sofie also talks about the multi-million-dollar weight loss industry and its negative impact on our youth, and what we need to do create impactful change.

“I refuse to be the object of their ridicule, their hatred, and their culture. I refuse to, and I demand my right to exist. I demand my right to take up space. I demand my right to believe what is a fact: that I do not have to change. They do.”

-Sofie Hagen

Let us ask you this:

What are your typical initial/first thoughts when you see someone who has a size difference from you? Do these first thoughts align with what you believe to be true about all people with visible differences?
What is your current experience with sizeism? Have you, or someone you know, ever had a lived experience with sizeism? If yes, what impact did it have on you?

Today we would like to remind you that beauty is a construct of society and one that should not and does not determine your confidence or self-worth. We encourage you to love yourself to the fullest while not only accepting but also embracing your physical traits.

This is a reminder that every moment is an opportunity to continue learning and reflecting and that there is always room for growth in ourselves and in our communities.