Oral

This session focuses on the politics of obesity and obesity prevention. It discusses the stigma associates with obesity and how this stigma can also harm women. This is a critically important session because while obesity is a national public health problem, the proposed 'solutions' may have negative unintended consequences for overweight and obese women. The definition of the obese as 'diseased' may lead to both stigma and size discrimination. The importance of formulating good, non-stigmatizing policies are stressed in this session.

Session Objectives: Explain how the stigma and size-discrimination associated with obesity and obesity-prevention programs can be harmful to a woman's health and well-being. Discuss the various policies which have been formulated to address this issue and the politics that are associated with these policies. Evaluate strategies being used to address the issue of obesity and related issues of stigma and size-discrimination from a women's health perspective.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)