1.
Background
The authors focused to explore the representation of overweight and obese people through
online news images, whether these images show the weight-related stigma. The authors had a
hypothesis that obese individuals would be presented in a stigmatizing way, with body parts
being a focus for example, lower halves of their bodies that bring about stereotypes of
overeating. The researchers also had a hypothesis that non overweight people would be
represented in more positivecontexts, such as exercising.
Method:
The project involved a key analysis of images used in online news stories about obesity.
Researchers had a sample of images from five major news websites MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS
and FOX-for a two-week period in September 2009. A total of 549 distinct images were
analyzed. defined variables included weight category (overweight/obese vs. nonoverweight),
body portrayal (full body, headless, or only some parts of the body visible), clothing style (e.g.,
professional vs. casual), and the activity the person was depicted to be doing (e.g., eating,
exercising, or healthcare provider). Pictures were represented by a team of four different trained
coders. High reliability was gained when the images were coded.
Results:
Results showed that overweight individuals were more likely to be presented in a negative,
stigmatizing way. For example, their heads were more likely to be cropped out of photos, or they
were framed from the waist down, or presented while eating unhealthy foods. Nonoverweight
individuals were more likely to be depicted exercising or in work settings. One of the findings
was that overweight individuals were 23 times more likely to have their heads removed
dehumanization, than were nonoverweight individuals. They were also far less likely to be
depicted in professional clothing.
Discussion:
The findings support the researchers' hypothesis, with the images of overweight individuals
being negative and stigmatizing. Such portrayals, the researchers suggested, contribute to the
public stigma against obese people and promote negative stereotypes. They also discussed how
visual media provides a strong platform for attitude in societythan the written content in these
newspapers. Strengths of the research include a large sample size, a method of coding, and
strong reliability. One limitation is that the study sampled only online news sources; therefore,
the diversity of media portrayals are not fully represented. The study was also observational;
therefore, it was unable to establish the causal relationship between media portrayals and public
attitudes. The implications, on this score, are graver: negative visual framing of overweight and
obese persons can perpetuate mean weight-based stigmatization through influences on the
treatment of overweight and obese persons in health care settings, educational institutions, and
places of work. The study calls for more balanced and positive depictions of overweight and
obese persons in the media as a way to help reduce stigma.
2.
The Rudd Center calls media professionals to use people first terms when referring to
individuals and to refrain from name calling. Media are encouraged to show persons with obesity
in character roles while highlighting their actions and abilities, instead of focusing on a person's
weight. Coverage needs to be balanced and evidence based, showing that obesity has causes
genetics, environment, etc.-and there are solutions that support people. Finally, images should
respect the dignity of individuals without focusing on body size and depict activity and health-
positive actions by individuals .
Two News Stories about Obesity:
1. Example Following Guidelines:
Article: "US Obesity 'Is at a Crisis Point'"
Image:
This article uses a neutral clinical photo of a healthcare worker measuring waist size. This image
is respectful in that, medically, it puts forward obesity. The article critically focuses on the issues
responsible for obesity and advocates for policy reforms with no blaming; instead, it emphasizes
public health.
2. Example of Weight-Based Stigma:
Article: "Ozempic or Bust: America's Struggle with Obesity"
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/06/ozempic-obesity-epidemic-weight-loss-
debate/678211/
Image:
The image in this article is an example of a woman's obesity and reinforces negative stereotypes.
The story, while discussing treatment options such as Ozempic, tends to bring about stigma by
focusing on the individual's weight and struggles rather than the systemic aspects of obesity.
3.
Current Laws on Weight-Based Discrimination
Federal laws of the United States do not ban weight based discrimination. Also obesity is
becoming a factor in the population, yet nobody has acted against such laws. So far, only a few
states have introduced their legislation that bans discrimination based on weight. Laws have been
set in Michigan, Washington D.C., and San Francisco to ban weight based discrimination in
employment and public accommodations. For example, San Francisco has brought an ordinance
banning weight based discrimination in 2000 for employment, housing, and access to public
services. Still, most states have not brought any legislation requiring the protection of citizens
from the consequence of obesity; this is despite the emergence of increasing awareness of the
issues created by weight based discrimination in the workplace, health, and institutions of
learning. According to reports by The Washington Post and Bloomberg, weight discrimination is
common and can leave people without the laws as they are subject to so much stigmatization,
which has serious social and emotional consequences.
Weight-Based Stigma and Its Consequences for Health and Behavior
The evidence does support that weight based stigma-discrimination, bullying, and
stereotyping based on weight-is both mentally and physically harmful. The article suggests that
weight stigma is related to higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and low self esteem
among people with obesity. These effects worsen unhealthy behaviors, such as emotional eating
or issues in following a good lifestyle, further encouraging the risk of further weight gain rather
than weight loss.
Secondly, the stigmatization of obesity tends to reduce weight loss processes. Once
overweight or obese individuals face discrimination, they are less likely to have medical
consultations or treatment out of fear of potential judgment or bias from healthcare professionals.
It lead to avoidance of care, which delay interventions to improve health, leading to poorer
health. Such stigmas also causes discrimination that lead people to cope with food and
inactivity, which brings more obesity and sets up a cycle of continued weight gain and further
stigmatization.
