1、UnderstandingObesityStigmaAn educational resource provided by the Obesity Action Coalition“The alarming rates of obesity have brought widespread attention to the medical consequences of this public health problem.Often ignored,however,are the social and personal obstacles that individuals affected b
2、y excess weight and obesity face.Bias,stigma,and discrimination due to weight are frequent experiences for many individuals,which have serious consequences for their personal and social well being and overall health.Given that at least half of the American population is overweight,the number of peop
3、le potentially faced with discrimination and stigmatization is immense.”Rebecca Puhl,PhD,Deputy Director at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut.Weight stigma plays a role in everyday life,including work,school and healthcare settings.It remains a socially acc
4、eptable form of prejudice in American society,and is rarely challenged.One of the goals of the Obesity Action Coalition(OAC)is to eliminate the negative stigma associated with obesity.To do this,we must be able to define and recognize obesity stigma in all aspects of life.Once we are able to identif
5、y the nature and extent of this problem,we can increase education and awareness about the damaging and lasting effects of negative stigma.Throughout this brochure,we will discuss the many forms of stigma and provide readers with options for dealing with stigma and ways to educate others.Understandin
6、g Obesity StigmaCauses of Obesity:Perceptions May Perpetuate Negative StigmaPerceptions about the causes of obesity may contribute to weight stigma and bias.Assumptions that obesity can be prevented by self-control,that individual non-compliance explains failure at weight-loss,and that obesity is ca