Fact or Fiction
The Language We Use
Ethics & Scope of Practice
Systemic Influences
Body Truths
100

BMI is a scientifically valid measure of health.

Fiction. BMI was created for population statistics, not individual health, and ignores muscle, genetics, and diversity.

100

What’s a more neutral alternative to “cheat meal”?

A. Unhealthy meal

B. Guilty Pleasure

C. Indulgence Meal

D. Meal

D. Meal

100

According to the ACA Code of Ethics, which principle means “do no harm”?

A. Beneficence 

B. Autonomy

C. Justice

D. Nonmaleficence

D. Nonmaleficence.

100

What term describes discrimination based on weight?

a. Fat phobia

b. Sizeism

c. Weight Stigma

d. All of the Above

D. All of the Above

100

All bodies are good bodies.

A. True

B. False

C. It depends on the body and the associated health issues

D. No idea

A. True

200

You can tell someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.

Fiction. Most people with EDs are not visibly underweight.

200

Why is it problematic to say “you look healthy” to a recovering client?

It can reinforce weight stigma or trigger relapse if weight gain/loss is tied to the compliment.

200

You suspect an eating disorder beyond your competence. What should you ethically do?

Consult and refer to a specialist or multidisciplinary team.

200

How does racism intersect with diet culture? 

A) Diet culture promotes thin, white, Eurocentric beauty standards.  

B) People of color are immune to diet culture. 

C) Race has no connection to body ideals. 

D) Racism only affects access to gyms.

A) Diet culture promotes thin, white, Eurocentric beauty standards.

200

Cutting out entire food groups is a healthy way to ‘reset’ your body.

A) True — It helps cleanse the system.  

B) False — It can create nutritional imbalance and promote disordered thinking.  

C) Only if done with a detox tea.  

D) Depends on how disciplined you are.

B) False — Restrictive “resets” often harm metabolism and mental health.

300

Weight loss automatically improves health.

Behavior and social determinants, not weight alone, predict health outcomes.

300

Fill in the blank: Counselors should avoid moralizing food as _____ or ____. 

"good" or "bad"

300

Is it okay to use the word fat?

A. No because it is insulting, rude and offensive.

B. Yes, because diet-culture has created a negative connotation surrounding it, and there are movements out there that are working on reclaiming the word. 

C. Yes, however, it is important to learn what your clients views are surrounding that word before using it and provide psychoeducation if needed. 

D. Both B and C.

D. Both B and C. 

300

How does classism influence access to “healthy” foods?

A) Healthier foods are equally available to everyone. 

B) Lower-income areas often lack affordable, nutritious options.  

C) Food insecurity only impacts rural areas.  

D) Classism has no link to nutrition.  

B) Lower-income areas often lack affordable, nutritious options.

300

True or False: Obesity and Overweight are terms that were created with the Body Mass Index. 

True. These are terms we should not be using since BMI's accuracy has been proven unfounded. 

400

Food rules are necessary to help individuals maintain good health.  

Fiction. Food should not have rules. 

400

How can language around “clean eating” reinforce bias?

A. It can't because language has nothing to do with bias. 

B. It implies that other foods or people who eat them are "dirty" or "bad."

C. It can be triggering.

D. It encourages the idea that health is determined by weight.

B. It implies that other foods or people who eat them are “dirty” or “bad.”

400

A counselor praises a client’s weight loss. What ethical issue might arise?

A. None, it's a compliment. 

B. Causing intentional harm

C. Countertransference

D. Unintentional harm by reinforcing disordered behavior or weight bias. 

D. Unintentional harm by reinforcing disordered behavior or weight bias.

400

What is “healthism”? 

A) The belief that health equals moral virtue and individual worth.  

B) A new holistic health app.  

C) A nutrition movement that prioritizes balance.  

D) A diagnosis related to anxiety about health.

A) The belief that health equals moral virtue and individual worth.

400

Carbs/Sugar are bad for you and should be avoided for weight management.

A) True  

B) False  

C) Only after 6 PM  

D) Depends the person 

B) False — Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient and fuel source. Sugar is not the enemy. Diet culture has made it the enemy just like it did with Trans Fat a decade ago. 

500

The recommended daily amount of carbohydrates for brain function in adults is 130 g (equivalent to about 10 slices of white bread). 


Fact

500

In session, a client says, “I feel disgusting when I eat carbs.” What’s a non-pathologizing response?

Reflect emotion (“You’re feeling really uncomfortable after eating”), explore beliefs, avoid food judgment.

500

What section of the ACA Code emphasizes counselor self-awareness and personal values?

A.  Section C.2 Professional Competence

B. Section A.4.b. Personal Values

C. Section A.4.a Avoiding Harm

D. Section B.1.a. Multicultural/Diversity Considerations

A.4.b – Personal Values. Counselors must avoid imposing beliefs on clients.

500

How does ableism show up in diet culture?

A) By assuming all bodies should move, look, or eat in the same way.  

B) By celebrating accessibility in fitness culture.  

C) By promoting rest and body diversity.  

D) It doesn’t, diet culture is inclusive.  

 A) By assuming all bodies should move, look, or eat in the same way.

500

“Before and after” photos are motivational and harmless.

A) True  

B) False because they reinforce harmful comparison and body shame.  

C) Only when used in fitness programs.  

D) Depends on the person.

B) False. These photos perpetuate judgment and reinforce worth based on appearance.

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