Tampa, Fla. – The OAC, a national nonprofit organization with more than 65,000 members nationwide, is calling on retailers such as Target, Amazon, Spirit Halloween and others to end the sale of “fat” costumes.

“When retailers sell ‘fat’ costumes, they promote weight bias and stigma. The sale of these costumes lets people think it is okay to make fun of a body type often associated with obesity. It is not okay, and it is not ‘funny.’ These costumes also allow negative stereotypes about people living with obesity (that they are lazy and undisciplined) to continue. This is wrong and hurtful,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

Obesity is a complex disease affecting nearly 40% of American adults. It can also cause serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Weight bias and stigma have adverse physical, social and psychological effects. These can include  depression, anxiety, social rejection, unhealthy weight control practices, poor self-esteem and body image, decreased performance at work or school and more.

Ending the sale of “fat” costumes can help put an end to weight bias and stigma as well as their effects on people living with the disease of obesity.

To take action and join the OAC in calling on major retailers across the U.S. to end the sale of “fat” costumes, please visit the OAC Action Center at https://www.obesityaction.org/action-center/ask-retailers-to-stop-selling-fat-costumes/.

 

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