Title: Changing Social Norms Associated with Weight and Body Image
Abstract: Social norms for body and weight are influenced by many factors: a unique model of beauty, images of edited bodies, weight loss treatment advertising, emphasizing appearance and performance, linking thinness and success, stigma and prejudice towards obesity and medical discourses on obesity. These norms can only be changed by acting at multiple levels. This workshop will present the main factors that shape social norms in regards to weight and body image. Then speakers will demonstrate the necessity of tackling both weight gain prevention and excessive weight preoccupation, which are two sides of the same coin. The workshop wills also presents interventions originating in Quebec and Canada- from government and non-profit organizations which contribute to the transformation of current social norms associated with weight and body image.