Rudd Center Image Gallery:
Combating Weight Bias in the Media
Background:
Obese people are highly stigmatized in our society and suffer from inequalities in employment, education, and health care as a result of weight discrimination. Studies show that the media is an especially pervasive source of stigmatization against obese persons. A recent Rudd Center study found that 72% of photographs paired with online news stories about obesity are stigmatizing toward obese individuals. News photographs tend to portray obese individuals from unflattering angles (e.g. with only their abdomens or lower bodies shown) and engaging in stereotypical behaviors (e.g. eating unhealthy foods). These images degrade and dehumanize obese individuals, while spreading false assumptions and oversimplifying the complex issue of obesity.
Purpose:
In an effort to reduce pejorative portrayals of overweight and obese persons in media reporting, we have created an Image Gallery that provides a collection of photographs that portray obese individuals in ways that are positive and non-stereotypical. These images provide a fair and non-biased representation of obese persons, and can help promote accurate coverage of obesity-related topics in news reporting and challenge harmful weight-based stereotypes.
Uses:
The news media can play an important role in reducing stigma toward obese individuals by improving the visual content of their news stories about obesity. Our Image Gallery is a free resource, and we hope that members of the news media will download any of the images in this collection in an effort to promote positive and fair portrayals of obese persons. These images can also be used by researchers, educators, health professionals, and others (see Terms of Use below).
