Login
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:
Improve Air Travel for People of Size
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Flying is essential in modern life, yet passengers with larger bodies often face seats that don’t fit, inconsistent policies, added fees and embarrassing hurdles just to travel. These barriers are rooted in weight bias and leave many people feeling excluded, stigmatized and unsafe while navigating air travel.
YOUR ASK: Ask major airlines to adopt clear, consistent, and respectful size-inclusive seating policies that support safe, comfortable, and dignified travel for all passengers.
New Jersey: Ask Lawmakers to Support Legislation to End Weight-Based Discrimination
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Weight bias and stigma affect people in every aspect of life—including healthcare, employment, education, and public spaces. Individuals affected by obesity frequently report being treated with disrespect, facing unfair assumptions about their health or abilities. Despite documented harms, only one state has legal protections against discrimination based on body size, leaving millions vulnerable to unequal treatment.
YOUR ASK: If you live in New Jersey, send a letter to state lawmakers asking them to support and pass legislation to end weight-based discrimination.
Let Every Child Thrive: Inclusion for Kids with Obesity in Youth Activities
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Over 30% of girls and 24% of boys with excess weight report daily bullying, teasing and rejection. When kids are supported and included, they’re more likely to stay active, build friendships, and grow into healthier, happier adults.
YOUR ASK: Ask youth organizations to make sure children with obesity have the chance to belong and thrive in youth sports and activities
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.