Coalition fights Obesity-bias image awareness campaign at Health Conference in Las Vegas

Weight bias encompasses negative attitudes, judgments, and stereotypes directed at individuals based on their weight.Photo byHansjörg KelleronUnsplash

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has unveiled its bias-free obesity image gallery at the 2024 HLTH Conference in Las Vegas, running from October 20-23. This initiative, developed in partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, aims to combat negative portrayals of obesity through authentic, diverse, and humanizing images of individuals living with the condition. The gallery is part of OAC's broader Stop Weight Bias Campaign, which seeks to reshape media narratives surrounding obesity.

Weight bias encompasses negative attitudes, judgments, and stereotypes directed at individuals based on their weight. The OAC highlights how media often reinforces these biases by depicting obesity as a personal failing rather than recognizing it as a complex, chronic disease. Such portrayals can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discourage individuals from seeking necessary healthcare.

"Weight stigma can have significant mental, physical, and emotional impacts on those affected," said James Zervios, OAC Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "The Stop Weight Bias Image Gallery is reshaping public perceptions of obesity and setting a new standard for accurate, respectful media coverage."