Tampa, Fla., February 20, 2019In response to the #MaraLardAss used along with and following the release of a photograph of President Trump taken at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida shortly after his healthcare provider noted President Trump’s body mass index had climbed into the range associated with the disease of obesity.

Statement from Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) President and CEO Joseph Nadglowski:

“The OAC strongly condemns the trending hashtag on social media targeting President Donald Trump for his weight. The disease of obesity knows no political boundaries. It is very much a bipartisan issue currently affecting more than 93 million Americans.

Weight bias and fat-shaming can have a very harmful impact on individuals affected by obesity. Psychological effects include depression, anxiety and poor body image. From a social and physical aspect, weight bias can lead to social rejection by peers, unhealthy weight control practices and more. Additionally, studies have shown that this type of behavior — that which shames someone due to their weight or size — actually causes individuals to gain more weight caused by the stress of public humiliation, rather than to lose weight.

The OAC works diligently to increase access to chronic obesity management treatments through the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act and we strongly believe that weight bias and stigma must be eradicated in order to effectively and compassionately address this disease.”

 

About the OAC
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a more than 60,000 member-strong National nonprofit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support.

CONTACT: For more information, please contact James Zervios, OAC Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (800) 717-3117 or jzervios@obesityaction.org.

 

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