Weight stigma needs to stop

Everyday millions of people are living with weight issues and obesity worldwide. Unfortunately, the stigma attached is still overwhelming due to a general misunderstanding in our community.

According to the World Health Organisation, worldwide obesity has tripled since 1975 and in 2019 more than 38 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese. In Australia (2017-2018) 1 in 4 children and adolescents (aged 2-17) were overweight or obese, 67% of adults overweight or obese.

Obesity is complex; unlike some other diseases, obesity is still a taboo conversation as there is an assumption that the person is to blame or could simply do something about it if they ‘really wanted to’. People living with obesity often feel isolated and ashamed, some simply don’t have an understanding of health and nutrition, which is why a collective effort by health professionals, patients, advocates and organisations is required if we want to change the narrative surrounding obesity and health promotion.

The Weight Issues Network (WIN) released its report The Personal Costs of Weight Issues in Australia 2020 with recommendations about how we can help to remove the stigma and work towards disease prevention.

Changing the narrative and how to do it

Shared knowledge through experience

WIN suggests that lived experience and perspective should be included in the development of plans, strategies, design of treatment pathways, research, and debates on weight issues. By pivoting the focus towards people with experience, there will be a better understanding about how to treat obesity.

More public education about obesity

More empathy towards people with obesity will help remove the stigma, but to do this there needs to be policies, plans and tools in place to help. It shouldn’t be left to a healthcare provider to provide this assistance alone, it can start at grassroots level in the home, at school or university and in the workplace. WIN suggests that “evidence-based support and/or resilience training to be available and subsidised for those who are particularly affected by weight stigma”.

Collaborative consultation

Government public health communications could benefit from a more collaborative approach by consulting people with lived experience to help plan policies and campaigns. This could help reduce and eventually remove the stigma.

Respect in the media

The media has an important role to play and with more education, communications and information they can provide a better portrayal of people living with obesity.

Dispelling the weight stigma is an important step in the right direction. At Upper GI Surgery we take a holistic care approach so you get the support you need to stay on the right track post-surgery. To find out more about bariatric surgery and how we can help you along your health journey, please contact us on (02) 9553 1120.