Rewriting the Narrative on Obesity: 20 Years of Changing Minds and Lives

by OAC Staff

Summer 2025

Obesity stigma is deeply rooted, but the OAC has led the charge in changing how society views and responds to it.

The OAC was born out of a critical gap in representation. In 2005, during a meeting with U.S. legislators, a Congressperson stood up and asked a pivotal question: Who represents people living with obesity? While national advocacy existed for other chronic conditions, no one was standing up for those affected by obesity — until OAC. There was a national voice for people with other chronic conditions, but obesity had never been considered.

That spring, the OAC was founded with a singular purpose: to elevate and empower people affected by obesity through education, awareness, advocacy and support. What began as a powerful idea has since grown into a national coalition of more than 85,000 Members — and a resounding voice for change in how obesity is understood and treated.

As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, this milestone is a moment to reflect. For two decades, we’ve worked tirelessly to rewrite the narrative around obesity — a narrative that shapes not only public perception but also policy, education, access to healthcare, support and more. Our journey hasn’t been easy. Obesity stigma is deeply rooted, but the OAC has led the charge in changing how society views and responds to it.

Breaking Through a Culture of Blame, Shame and Stigma

Before OAC existed, weight stigma was rarely acknowledged, let alone challenged. Yet it touches every part of life for people with obesity, fueling discrimination, isolation and poor health outcomes. These biases still show up in:

• Media: Portraying people with obesity as lazy or lacking willpower, often for comedic effect or cautionary tales.
• Employment: Unfair assumptions about motivation or intelligence that impact hiring and promotion.
• Healthcare: Dismissive attitudes and outdated beliefs that weight loss is “just about willpower,” limiting access to meaningful and effective care.
• Education: Bullying and discrimination that reinforce the false idea that larger bodies reflect lower intelligence or worth.

Despite the persistence of these issues, the OAC has made significant strides through:

• The Stop Weight Bias Campaign and Image Gallery
• Your Weight Matters Campaign and In-Person and Virtual Events
• Obesity Care Week
• Expansive digital education and support resources
• State and federal advocacy
• Thrive Together: Our youth and families program
• The OAC Action Center for advocacy mobilization

And this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Advancing Obesity as a Chronic Disease

In 2013, the American Medical Association officially recognized obesity as a chronic disease—with the OAC playing a key role in that historic shift. Before this recognition, obesity was widely misunderstood, and stigma often went unchecked. Since then, the OAC has championed a medical, science-based understanding of obesity that has paved the way for:

• Smarter health policy and legislation
• Better healthcare provider training and education
• Evidence-based treatments and innovations
• Cross-specialty understanding in nutrition, mental health, physical activity and other key areas

We incorporate this perspective into everything we do — from public messaging and educational content to the quality of our events and the strength of our advocacy.Obesity is still not universally seen the same way as heart disease or diabetes. But public understanding is improving, thanks to the work of researchers, healthcare providers, advocates and organizations like the OAC.

The Power of the OAC Community

The OAC has driven change, but it’s our Community that powers it. Throughout the years, we’ve built a passionate and diverse network that includes:

• People living with obesity
• Patient advocates
• Healthcare professionals
• Researchers
• Policymakers
• Partnerships organizations and stakeholders

Together, we’ve raised awareness, educated millions, advocated for equitable care and created spaces rooted in empowerment rather than judgment. When people come together, narratives change. From doctor’s offices and HR departments to social media, newsrooms and living rooms, the OAC Community is shifting the conversation and building a better future for people affected by obesity. It is an honor to be the only organization of our kind with such a unique but important focus.

The Narrative is Still Being Written

Twenty years in, our work is far from over. But this Anniversary is more than a reflection; it’s a turning point. Obesity has never been more visible in public conversation, and there has never been more opportunity to create meaningful change. When people come together with purpose and passion, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. The next chapter of OAC depends on all of us! Whether you lend your voice, your story or your support, you have the power to make a difference.

Join the OAC Community and/or make a gift today to fuel our mission as we look to the next 20 years and beyond: ObesityAction.org/20years

The OAC won’t stop fighting until everyone affected by obesity has the support, education and care they deserve.

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