LDC signs pledge to end the social stigma of obesity

Dr Michelle Hadjiconstantinou.

Dr Michelle Hadjiconstantinou, Behavioural Scientist and Chartered Psychologist, explains:

“People with obesity report shared negative experiences from social interactions, including blame, prejudice and negative behaviour towards them. These encounters can be perpetuated in various settings, including healthcare, family and social setting, which ultimately can lead to people feeling judged, isolated and shamed as a result of their condition. They face high levels of stigma and discrimination, and here at LDC we value equality, diversity and equity and believe that all people should be treated equally.

“We recognise that weight bias and stigma can result in discrimination and undermine the health of individuals with obesity. By signing the pledge to end the social stigma of obesity, we ultimately raise awareness of the impact our language and behaviour can have on others.

“As a Centre of Excellence and advocates of the Language Matters movement, we don’t support the use of stigmatising language, images and attitudes in healthcare and social settings. We pledge to treat individuals with overweight and obesity with respect and we encourage and support initiatives that aim to prevent weight discrimination.”

To find out more about the pledge, visit: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/obesity-pledge