The Educational Setting

This chapter begins with two stories. The first takes place in a health class in school and the second is a story from a physical education class. The stories are used to illustrate how well-intentioned school health initiatives can inadvertently cause harm. Both cases highlight critical issues within our educational system&s;s approach to health, nutrition, and physical fitness. Unfortunately, these examples aren&s;t isolated incidents, but rather examples of broader systemic problems in how schools address health and body diversity. The chapter helps the reader learn ways to build more inclusive school environments, and addresses how schools can promote health without reinforcing weight stigma. This includes information about a reimagined health curriculum, a transformed physical education program, school lunch policies, and school-wide anti-bullying initiatives focusing on body diversity. The chapter also recognizes that educators play a crucial role in early identification of eating disorders and shares warning signs, action steps, and resources to improve awareness and facilitate treatment.