Fatphobia and physical activity: from the co-construction of stigma to the potential for change
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper aims to examine the effects of the stigmatization of ’fat bodies’ in the health and medical fields, using the case of adapted physical activity upon prescription (APAP). It explores the conditions under which these programmes can function as spaces for accommodating or distancing such stigma, as well as the potential changes they open up at elder ages. Indeed, a French law regarding the “modernization” of the health system introduced, in 2016, APAP for people living with chronic illness or other long-term medical conditions. The resulting adapted physical activity programmes opened up a sector of activity situated at the intersection of physical activity and medical care fields. Drawing on data from a large French survey on physical activity (ENPPS 2020) and on a qualitative research on APAP conducted in five regions across mainland France, this paper therefore explores the conditions and forms of incorporation of gender norms relating to size and shape of ageing bodies, but also conditions and situations which are conducive to modifying participants’ patterns of perception about their bodies.
Source: Journal of Gender Studies
Authors: Collectif PrescAPP, Marie-Amélie Lauzanne, Julie Thomas
Institution: Centre Max Weber
Language: English
Topic: Obesity and Health Practices
Subfield: Pharmacy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G4140456955
OpenAlex ID: W4416948298