Tampa, Fla. – The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a more than 54,000 member-strong 501(c)(3) National nonprofit organization, is setting its sights on ending weight bias with public support for its 2016 end-of-year donation campaign, End Weight Bias – People First, Perception Matters.

As 2016 comes to a close, the OAC is asking all of its members, supporters and partners to help fund its future weight bias efforts by making a charitable gift to the OAC’s weight bias initiative fund. In 2016, the OAC made national headlines with its weight bias efforts by unveiling its online image gallery, the OAC Image Gallery, which hosts hundreds of bias-free stock images available for free.

“Addressing weight bias was a key theme for the OAC this year as we unveiled our brand new image gallery and continued to provide public resources to reduce bias and stigma. In order for us to continue our efforts in fighting weight bias, we’re asking for our members and the public to please make a charitable contribution to the OAC during this holiday season. With your support, we can expand our bias efforts and continue to raise awareness of this very important issue,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

According to research led by Rebecca Puhl, PhD, of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, weight discrimination is the second most common form of discrimination reported by women, and children with excess weight are six times more likely to experience bullying than peers of normal weight.
“Weight bias is very much alive and well. The OAC is leading the charge in the fight against weight bias, but it will take a concerted effort for us to enact positive, sustainable change. Far too often, people with obesity are targeted in the media, pop culture, employment and more for their weight. This is unacceptable, and it needs to end,” said Amber Huett-Garcia, MPA, OAC Chairwoman.

To learn more about End Weight Bias – People First, Perception Matters and make your charitable gift to the OAC today, please visit www.ObesityAction.org/EndWeightBias.

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a more than 54,000 member-strong National nonprofit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support.