The Beat

HLTH: Breaking Down Obesity Stigma Through Bias-Free Care with Jamie Coleman

Episode Summary

Obesity-related stigma is combatted with a bias-free image gallery and people-first language to reduce weight discrimination. In this episode, Jamie Coleman, Vice President of Marketing at Lilly, discusses initiatives to combat obesity-related stigma, focusing on a bias-free image gallery created with the Obesity Action Coalition. She explains obesity as a complex disease, often misunderstood, with media reinforcing stereotypes. The gallery aims to humanize obesity and improve care. Jamie highlights the impact of weight bias on access to care and urges the use of people-first language to reduce stigma, equating weight discrimination to a human rights issue. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how these efforts are changing the landscape of obesity care!

Episode Notes

About Jamie Coleman:

Jamie Coleman is an inspirational leader who drives large, diverse teams to exceed expectations. With over 20 years of pharmaceutical experience, Jamie has a proven track record in marketing, consulting, and sales. Known for delivering outstanding results, Jamie has managed commercialization efforts for a variety of brands, overseeing over $5B in annual revenue. With extensive international experience, Jamie is adept at navigating complex partnerships and leading through change. Acknowledged for inclusive leadership, Jamie excels in strategic planning, fostering team engagement, and achieving high-performance outcomes.

Things You’ll Learn:

  1. A new image gallery created by Lilly and the Obesity Action Coalition seeks to combat obesity-related stigma.
  2. Obesity is discussed as a complex, progressive chronic disease, often misunderstood as merely a lifestyle choice.
  3. Weight bias negatively affects access to care, discouraging people from seeking medical help.
  4. It is important to use people-first language and create awareness to reduce stigma and promote comprehensive care.
  5. Weight discrimination is a significant human rights issue, and global recognition and action are imperative.

Resources: