Whether you seek the latest obesity-related scientific developments, a qualified spokesperson, recent press releases, or would like to connect through social media, The Obesity Society has the resources you need.
Meeting the Media’s Needs
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), obesity is a complex, chronic disease and has reached epidemic status in many locations across the globe. Efforts by the media (and others who publicly share information) to raise awareness about obesity, communicate the facts, and offer insights, can greatly aid the experts who are fighting this disease, while also helping the millions of individuals who are affected.
The Obesity Society (TOS) strives to continually increase the available knowledge and understanding of this intractable problem. We want to make it easy for credentialed journalists, writers, bloggers and others to:
- Contact experts and informed sources
- Access the latest scientific information
- Learn about recent and current research
- Get up-to-date press information
Whatever type of media you work in, we can offer you connections to and quotes from experts, background information, data, or story ideas, to help you report on the topic of obesity. Give us a call or send an email.
Obesity: Journalists interested in accessing Obesity, the Society’s official journal, can send a request by email to [email protected]. Please provide your credentials and the name of the media outlet where your work is broadcast or published.
ObesityWeek®: This international scientific conference typically takes place in November. TOS provides free registration for reporters who are employed by accredited news organizations for the purpose of editorial coverage.
Contact Information
Director of Communications/
Media Relations
Kristin D. Collins
Email
[email protected]
Phone
(301) 563-6526
Obesity and People-First Language
For people with obesity, bias and discrimination are daily facts of life. Negative perceptions, stigmatizing language and other forms of bias mean that people with obesity are denied jobs and promotions, face rejection by peers, and even receive inappropriate treatment from healthcare providers.
Experts say that appropriate language can help reduce the stigma of obesity. The Obesity Society therefore recommends the use of “people first” language.
This people-first approach is commonly used for most chronic diseases and is the accepted norm when addressing people with mental and physical disabilities. The American Psychological Association has endorsed the use of language that puts “people first, not their disability” and the American Medical Association Manual of Style agrees, saying: “Avoid labeling people with their disabilities or diseases (e.g., the blind, schizophrenics, epileptics).”
The Obesity Society strongly endorses using people-first language when discussing obesity. For example, reporters and writers are encouraged to use the phrase “persons with obesity” rather than “obese patients.”
Documents and Links
Downloadable documents
TOS Fact Sheet (3934 downloads ) People-First Language for Obesity (4156 downloads ) Obesity Position Statement (3804 downloads )
Key links
- Current issue of Obesity
- ObesityWeek conference