March 1st – Weight bias is negative attitudes, beliefs, judgments, stereotypes, and discriminatory acts aimed at individuals simply because of their weight. Bias can occur in all areas of life such as, school, healthcare, the workplace and even among family and friends. It also takes many forms – verbal, written, media, online and more. Weight bias is dehumanizing and damaging: it can cause adverse physical and psychological health outcomes and promotes a social norm that marginalizes people.
Through the advocacy and education, weight bias can finally be stopped. This is why the OAC supports OCW and the Stop Weight Bias (SWB) Campaign which was launched earlier this year. In order to make change, we must begin through education.
By visiting StopWeightBias.com and ObesityCareWeek.org/WeightBias, you can learn more about the harmful effects of weight bias through the resources that are provided. You can also tune into the OAC’s Member Profile on Shekinah Samaya to see the effects of weight bias and how it can be seen in different areas of a person’s life.
*To show your support for OCW, sign up for OCW alerts so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest news and information on how to get involved and change the world for the people living with obesity! *