Obesity stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs associated with obesity, including bias, discrimination, stereotyping and social exclusion. We know from research that it is all too common in today’s society for people living with obesity to experience stigma across a number of settings, including healthcare, education, the workplace, Media and in personal relationships.
Internalised stigma is also common, this is where individuals living with obesity become aware of negative weight-based attitudes and beliefs, and apply these to themselves.
Obesity stigma has physical and mental health consequences, including anxiety, lower self-esteem, social isolation, unhealthy eating and weight control behaviours. Research also shows that it can cause people to delay seeking medical care, having a negative impact on their health.
To mark World Obesity Day 4th March 2025, HSE Health and Wellbeing are asking our staff and those we work with to:
- Use people-first language; people-first language puts the person first and avoids labelling people with their disease. Use language such as ‘people living with overweight and obesity’ rather than ‘overweight or obese people’. Learn more at Obesity Action Coalition People-first Language.
- Use positive language; avoid the use of combative language such as ‘the war on obesity’ or ‘fighting obesity’.
- Use non-stigmatising images; images used to depict individuals living with obesity are frequently stigmatising. Use free image banks such as Irish Coalition for People living with Obesity Image Bank or World Obesity Image Bank.
- Share accurate information and evidence about obesity; learn about obesity and obesity stigma using HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing podcasts. Episodes 29, 42 and 73 include a focus on Obesity as per the image above. You can access our podcasts here: https://hsepodcasts.podbean.com/
- Be deliberate in presenting information on obesity; frame obesity as a complex disease with many contributing factors.
- Challenge incorrect or biased assumptions; explain how our environment shapes our health, and how changing our environment can improve people’s health.
- Support initiatives and training aimed at preventing obesity stigma; across healthcare, education and the workplace.
For further information about Obesity, the causes, diagnosis and treatments, go to https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/obesity/