Weight bias in the workplace

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:


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.

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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!

Take Action


 

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.

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New Jersey: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Stop Weight-Based Discrimination

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Over 29% of New Jersey residents are affected by obesity and another 36% by overweight. People with obesity face weight-based discrimination every day, which is detrimental to their physical and mental health, and access to obesity treatments remains fractured because of deep-rooted bias. People with obesity should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their size or weight, and Senate Bill 1602 would ban weight-based discrimination in New Jersey.

YOUR ASK: If you live in New Jersey, please send a letter to key state representatives urging them to support Senate Bill 1602, which will ban weight-based discrimination.

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Massachusetts Residents: Take Action Today to Stop Weight Bias!

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Massachusetts could make history by becoming only the second state in the U.S. to make it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of height and weight in compensation, in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, housing, or public accommodations! Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is calling on its members and supporters in Massachusetts to urge decision makers to support Senate Bill 1108 and House Bill 1705 today.

YOUR ASK: Help OAC build support for ending weight-based discrimination in Massachusetts by contacting your representatives today!

Take Action


 

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.

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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.

Take Action

 

Tweet against weight bias


Past Weight Bias Issues

Looking for tools to help you with taking action on Weight Bias? Click here for helpful resources!