People First Language and Appropriate Images

People-first language is the standard for respectfully addressing people with chronic disease, rather than labeling them by their illness. Because of the importance of reducing bias associated with obesity, Obesity Canada and its partners urge everyone to use people-first language.

(Click on the links below to access the resources.)

Person First Language Policy

Flint, S. W. and Reale, S. (2014). Obesity Stigmatisation from obesity researchers. The Lancet  doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)62276-5

Kyle, T. K. and Puhl, R. M. (2014). Putting People First in Obesity.  doi.org/10.1002/oby.20727

Obesity Action Coalition

Obesity: Language Matters