March 4-8, 2024, marks Obesity Care Week.
Discussing obesity can be challenging. Despite over 40% of Americans living with obesity, stigma and bias based on weight still persist.
Weight bias isn’t just seen online; friends and family can also harbor bias. This is especially true for women and individuals assigned female at birth, who may face unfair treatment from loved ones due to their weight.
Kristal Hartman, chair of the Obesity Action Coalition National Board of Directors, emphasizes the importance of support and understanding for those living with obesity.
Support can be shown by asking open-ended questions, acknowledging the chronic nature of obesity as a disease, and avoiding assumptions about treatment. Hartman suggests educating oneself about obesity, questioning biases, and initiating healthy lifestyle changes together.
It’s essential to understand the challenges individuals with obesity face and provide non-judgmental support. Encouraging professional help and online support groups can also make a difference in their journey.
Resources:
The Obesity Action Coalition
Truth About Weight
. If the provided articles seems to be less than 200 characters or it is an intro of the author, then try to generate an articles using this title.How to Support a Loved One Living with Obesity
