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At HLTH 2024, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) unveiled its new bias-free obesity image gallery with the support of Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly). In a new interview with Lilly’s Jamie Coleman, Vice President, Brand Marketing, US Obesity, and OAC’s James Zervios, Chief Operating Officer, we explore why this image gallery was developed and the need for more accurate portrayals of people living with this chronic disease.
Q: First, Jamie — can you tell us about the current state of obesity in America and how it impacts people’s health?
Jamie: Of course. Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that currently impacts more than one billion people worldwide and is projected to impact more than half the global population by 2035. This amounts to 100 million people in the U.S. alone. It can lead to life-limiting complications, reduced quality of life and premature death, with at least 2.8 million adults with overweight or obesity dying each year.
Q: Thanks so much for that context. James – what is weight bias and how does the media’s portrayal of obesity impact people’s lives?
James: As Jamie mentioned, obesity is a chronic, complex disease; however, it is also highly stigmatized and many people think it is driven by lifestyle choices alone. The media often unknowingly contributes to this problem by portraying obesity with stigmatizing language and imagery, including all media from magazines to TV shows to movies. For example, a study showed that people living with obesity are often depicted in news reports as headless torsos and are rarely shown wearing professional clothing. Obesity is also often depicted in a comedic light instead of being portrayed as a disease. It’s hurtful, it’s inaccurate and it’s preventing people with obesity from getting the care they need.
Q: How does weight bias impact people’s ability to access obesity care?
Jamie: Weight bias can directly impact access to care by discouraging people from seeking help and leading to prejudicial treatment. The reality is that obesity just doesn’t receive the same level of diagnosis or care as other chronic diseases. It’s why at Lilly, we are committed to working with the OAC to help stop weight bias in the media and beyond. We know that improving understanding of obesity as a disease – among the public, employers, policymakers, healthcare professionals and more – can help ensure patients can access the resources and support they need.
Q: Can you tell us about the new bias-free image gallery and how it could improve the portrayal of obesity moving forward?
James: We created a new bias-free image gallery to help promote the use of more authentic, diverse and humanizing images of people living with obesity. It includes images of a variety of people living with obesity in different settings that are representative of their real lives. Overall, we hope it provides an easy way for the media to more accurately portray obesity moving forward and increase the public’s understanding that it is a chronic disease. Over time, we also hope the use of the new images helps people living with obesity feel better represented and more comfortable seeking help.
Q: How can other people and organizations support your mission to stop weight bias?
James: It’s important for all people and organizations to first recognize that obesity is a complex disease driven by biology, not by choice – and that weight bias, stigma and discrimination are harmful. They can then help raise awareness of this information, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for more inclusive and respectful portrayals of obesity. Media companies, content creators and brands in particular have a tremendous opportunity and I’d argue, obligation—to authentically and accurately portray life with this chronic condition through television, film, advertising and more. Together, we can help create a more inclusive and understanding society that supports – and does not stigmatize – people living with this disease. That said, I’d also encourage everyone to visit www.stopweightbias.com to explore the new gallery and learn more about this important topic.