Obesity Action Coalition Blog

Recently, media stories have focused on various celebrities that have regained weight after losing a dramatic amount through surgery or other treatment options. What are your thoughts on the media’s portrayal of celebrities and their struggles with weight issues?

• Have you experienced weight regain?
• Have your friends, family or co-workers criticized you?

A bill being introduced in the state of Massachusetts would ban discrimination based on weight and height. To date, Michigan is the only state that has such a bill. The article briefly discusses a point of view from the opponents of it saying companies may become less competiveness when it comes to hiring job candidates as they may fear discrimination-based lawsuits.

• Do you think a law like this would help reduce discrimination?
• Have you ever been discriminated against in your job or when applying for a job?

Click here for the full story.

Recently, ABC News ran a story, titled “’You are so fat!’ The story focused on obesity discrimination in a verbal form. In a controlled experiment, ABC News instructed different actors to verbally abuse an obese woman sitting on a boardwalk. The results were very interesting as many people did not intervene, but few did.

• What does this say for those affected by this disease?
• What does it say for the general public?
• What does it mean to you?
• Would you say something?
• Have you ever experienced obesity-related verbal abuse? If so, did someone say something?

Share your thoughts with us. To view the full story, please click here.

On Thursday, March 20, the New Hampshire Senate voted 21-3 in support of Senator Bob Clegg’s weight-loss surgery bill (click here for full story). This is a great success for the citizens of New Hampshire; however, only half the battle is complete. The bill will now appear before the New Hampshire House of Representatives. It is crucial that the residents of New Hampshire join together and contact their representative in the House of Representatives and let them know why this bill is important and how obesity affects their lives.

To locate your representative, please click here. To learn more about why the OAC believes it makes sense to cover bariatric surgery, click here to view our Fact Sheet on the issue.

New Hampshire Senator Robert E. Clegg Jr., R-Hudson recently proposed positive legislation that would require the state’s health insurers to pay for bariatric surgery for appropriate patients. This proposal is a proactive and much-needed step in the right direction in ensuring access to care for those affected by morbid obesity. The OAC is pleased to see government officials taking this step and fully support the need for access to safe and effective treatment options. If you would like to show your support of this legislation, please contact Senator Clegg at the following address or email:

• Senate Office:
  Statehouse
  107 N. Main St., Room 124
  Concord, NH 03301
  (603) 271-8630
  robert.clegg@leg.state.nh.us    

Click here for the full story. UPDATE: The Senate has sent Clegg’s bill to the Finance Committee to review fiscal implications to the state before it takes a final vote. Click here for the full story. To learn more about why the OAC believes it makes sense to cover bariatric surgery, click here to view our Fact Sheet on the issue.  Are you having a difficult time accessing care for your obesity/morbid obesity? If so, tell us more. Comment on this story and let the OAC know what issues you are facing.

On Sunday, February 24, the Florida Marlins Major League Baseball team began their quest for “big bellies with the biggest jiggle, big feet with the best dance moves and enthusiasm that will rock Marlins fans out of their seats.” Click here for more information.

Let’s take a moment and discuss some aspects of this strategy. Below, please find some questions to discuss.

• Is this marketing strategy discriminatory toward the obese?
• Is it looked at different because it is men they are seeking and not women?
• Are the obese further stigmatizing themselves by participating?