Ask the Media to Accurately Portray People with Obesity!

Here’s the Issue: Have you ever seen pictures on news reports that use headless photos of people with obesity, often eating a greasy meal or covered in food? How many times have you heard a journalist or writer refer to someone as “obese,” or talk about obesity as a matter of laziness without willpower?

Weight bias exists everywhere, but it’s especially present in the media. However, we can’t turn a blind eye to this bias because the media has an enormous reach – even if it’s unintentional. Not only can it influence depression, anxiety and poor body image, but it perpetuates stigma. That stigma negatively impacts physical health, through increase stress and delay in seeking care.

Any form of weight bias portrayed in the media can shape public perceptions and attitudes about a health issue that is already severely stigmatized. We simply can’t afford for more people to ignore, attack and discriminate against those who are affected by obesity or issues with weight.

Take Action Now: Use OAC’s advocacy tool below to contact the editors of the top media outlets across the U.S. and educate them on how to avoid weight bias when they report on obesity.

It’s Easy to Advocate: Sending your letters through OAC’s Action Center is fast, easy and well worth it! Simply enter your information then click “Email Now” to send your messages.