The rate of obesity in the United States has risen from 12% in 1991 to 42% in 2022. “We know women living with obesity have a higher chance of developing serious health conditions and other diseases, explained HealthyWomen CEO Beth Battaglino, RN-C. “There is also a high level of shame and stigma associated with the disease — and even a lack of awareness that obesity is a disease.”
For Black women, who have the highest rates of obesity in the United States, dispelling stigma and raising awareness are particularly important. “So often, the underlying causes of obesity are not fully examined when it comes to Black women,” said Linda Goler Blount, MPH, president and CEO of Black Women’s Health Imperative. “Our partnership provides both organizations with a platform to engage all women, healthcare providers and policymakers to understand and address the fundamental relationship between socially and racially mediated stress, obesity and disease.”
The multifaceted “Reclaim Your Wellness” campaign raises awareness of obesity as a disease and national health crisis, without stigma, judgment and bias. Both partners provide tailored educational and lifestyle content and resources, along with interactive tools, podcasts and stories from real women on the physical and emotional effects of obesity.
The program is supported by Novo Nordisk.
Read more about our
initiative and explore the content below.
Featured Content
Is Obesity a Disease? Yes — and the Medical Community Is Finally Recognizing That
The Importance of Making Obesity Treatment Accessible
Podcast: The Central Crux to American Health: Obesity
Ask the Expert: Covid and Obesity: When Two Pandemics Collide
Covid and Obesity: How to Reduce Risk Factors
El covid-19 y la obesidad: Cómo reducir los factores de riesgo
The Rise of Obesity Among Latinx People
Obesity, Racism and Covid: A Deadly Combination
La obesidad, el racismo y el covid-19: Una combinación mortal
Ask the Expert: Covid-19 and Obesity
The Intersection of Long Covid and Obesity
La intersección entre el covid-19 persistente y la obesidad
New Anti-Obesity Medications Are More Effective With Fewer Side Effects
Obesity Puts You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness from Covid-19
La obesidad te da un mayor riesgo de enfermarte gravemente de covid-19
Beyond the Body: Perspectives From Real Women
Obesity Is a Complex Disease With a Variety of Treatments
WomenTalk, “Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Living with Obesity”
Real Women, Real Stories
Losing Weight Helped Heal Not Just My Body, But My Mind and Spirit, Too
I Fought Generational Obesity by Creating My Own Road Map to a Healthier, Happier Life
Videos and Podcasts
“What’s Next When Dieting and Exercise Just Aren’t Enough?”
“Let’s Talk Health, Weight and Black Women”?
Reclaim Your Wellness with Dr. Fatima Stanford
“Intersections of Weight Stigma, Mental Wellbeing & Health Disparities”
“Obesity and Mental Health: Understanding the Connection”
Navigating Obesity and Stress Two Years Into the Covid-19 Pandemic
Articles
The Risks of Obesity During and After Pregnancy
Changing How We Talk About Obesity — A Conversation With Dr. Sowa
Eliminating the Obesity Bias in Health Care
Environmental and Societal Factors, Not Just Diet and Exercise, Contribute to Obesity
What You Need to Know About Obesity
Obesity Is a Disease That Can Be Managed in Many Ways
Celebrating Every Body Requires Access to the Best Weight-Management Care
Want Fries — or Feelings — With That?
Obesity and Other Health Conditions
Does Your Health Insurance Cover Treatment for Obesity?
Spanish Articles
¿Quieres papas fritas o sentimientos con eso?
Factores ambientales y sociales, no solo dieta y ejercicio, factores que contribuyen con la obesidad
Lo que debe saber sobre la obesidad
Obesity Resource List
Obesity is a disease characterized by having excess fat that causes health risks. Genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors cause obesity, which is a complicated disease and can be difficult to control through nutrition and exercise alone. For more information, be sure to contact your healthcare provider and visit the links provided below.
- Obesity Action Coalition
- Obesity Care Advocacy Network
- The Obesity Society
- USDA Nutrition
- Community Efforts | Overweight & Obesity | CDC
- Assessing Your Weight | Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity | CDC