Media portrayal of obesity is influential; it plays an important role in shaping public attitudes and beliefs about people with obesity and related diseases.
In news media, obesity is frequently attributed to personal responsibility, and afflicted individuals are often represented—without evidence—as being lazy, gluttonous, and lacking will power and self-discipline.
Media portrayals of diet and exercise as the only appropriate therapies for obesity are scientifically inaccurate and may deter patients from pursuing additional evidence-based interventions.
