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Weight Bias Issues
Obesity stigma is a major issue in our society. Weight bias is negative attitudes, beliefs, judgments, stereotypes, and discriminatory acts aimed at individuals simply because of their weight. This type of stigma has negative effects on the victims and we need to eradicate it. When it comes to fighting weight bias and stigma, every voice counts. There are a variety of ways you can get involved in the OAC’s efforts to combat weight bias and stigma:
Take Action on Charles Barkley’s Weight Biased Comments
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Charles Barkley recently made weight-stigmatizing comments during the NCAA Men’s Final Four JamFest in San Antonio. Barkley mocked the women in the crowd, saying, “Ya’ll got some big b*tches here.” Weight discrimination has real consequences for individuals living with obesity, and public figures like Barkley need to be held accountable.
YOUR ASK: Urge the NCAA, TNT, and Barkley’s team to take action on Charles Barkley’s weight biased comments.
Help Stop Weight-based Bullying
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. But currently, only three states provide protections against weight-based bullying in schools: Maine, New Hampshire and New York. By implementing protections against weight-based bullying, states can help create a safe environment for students, allowing them to focus on their education and growth without fear of harassment.
YOUR ASK: At the OAC, we envision a world where all children can reach their full potential without fear of weight-based bullying, but we can’t get there without your help. Take action now and urge your state leaders to protect students against weight-based bullying.
Urge the FDA to Ensure That All Medications Are Safe and Effective for People with Obesity
HERE’S THE ISSUE: People living with obesity often use prescribed medications for the treatment of various health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, many medications have not been fully tested on people with obesity. Medications or medical devices may be less (or sometimes more) effective for people with obesity, and this can have real consequences for health and possibly lead to harm.
YOUR ASK: Urge the FDA to ensure that medications are safe and effective for people living with obesity, and that ALL clinical trials include people with obesity.
Urge Your State Legislators to Expand Access to Care and #StopWeightBias!
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Access to obesity treatments are too often based on your individual health insurance plan or zip code, and only one state has a law banning weight-based discrimination. It’s time to prioritize obesity care in your state!
YOUR ASK: Help us create a better world for people living with obesity by contacting your state representatives today!
Share Your Personal Story to Help Others Think Differently about Weight and Obesity
HERE’S THE ISSUE: For the OAC, stories are essential for reducing weight stigma and helping others think differently about weight. They build empathy, awareness and understanding. They also put faces behind statistics and help humanize obesity.
YOUR ASK: Use the OAC’s dedicated story-sharing platform, Weight of the World, to share your personal story or experiences that relate to weight and help others think differently about these topics.
Take the Pledge to Speak out and Challenge Perceptions of Obesity
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Although the disease of obesity affects more than 130 million Americans, it is very misunderstood. False but common perceptions of obesity create weight stigma and can prevent people from getting help and support.
YOUR ASK: Take the pledge to speak out, challenge perceptions of obesity and help improve understanding and support.
Past Weight Bias Issues
- Sign-on to OAC’s Letter Addressing Weight Bias on NBC’s Tonight Show
- OAC’s Letter Addressing Weight Bias in CBS’s Blue Bloods
- Boy Scouts of America
- Click here for additional past weight bias issues.