STIGMA & DIGNITY
OBESITY IS A DISEASE, NOT A CHARACTER FLAW
People living with obesity frequently experience stigma, bias and discrimination in healthcare settings, workplaces, schools and society.
Many individuals are unfairly judged as lazy, lacking discipline or personally responsible for their condition. These misconceptions are not supported by modern scientific understanding of obesity.
WHY STIGMA MATTERS
WEIGHT STIGMA IS NOT HARMLESS
Research has shown that stigma can lead to:
* Delayed healthcare seeking
* Social isolation
* Anxiety and depression
* Reduced physical activity
* Disordered eating behaviours
* Poorer health outcomes
Stigma can become a barrier to treatment and recovery.
PEOPLE-FIRST LANGUAGE
The way we speak about obesity matters.
We encourage people-first language that recognises the individual before the disease.
Preferred:
* Person living with obesity
* Individual with obesity
Less preferred:
* Obese person
* Fat person
Respectful language helps create a more supportive and compassionate environment.
RESPECT FOR ALL TREATMENT CHOICES
Individuals living with obesity deserve access to accurate information and evidence-based treatment options.
No person should be shamed for seeking treatment through:
* Lifestyle intervention
* Medication
* Endoscopic therapies
* Metabolic and bariatric surgery
Seeking treatment for obesity is no different from seeking treatment for diabetes, hypertension or any other chronic disease.
OUR COMMITMENT
The Teal Ribbon Movement is committed to promoting dignity, compassion and respect for all individuals living with obesity.
We believe that every person deserves to be treated with empathy, free from judgement and supported in their journey towards better health.
"Dignity is not a privilege. It is a right."