D4 Published development or research report or study
Kohti eettistä ja vastuullista painopuhetta ja -käytäntöjä : lihavuuden stigma ja sen vähentäminen (2023)
Towards ethical and responsible weight dialogue and practices : the stigma of obesity and how to reduce it

Koivumäki, T., Harjunen, H., Hagström, T., Mikkilä, K., Pusa, T., & Lahti-Koski, M. (2023). Kohti eettistä ja vastuullista painopuhetta ja -käytäntöjä : lihavuuden stigma ja sen vähentäminen. Valtioneuvoston kanslia. Valtioneuvoston selvitys- ja tutkimustoiminnan julkaisusarja, 2023:10. https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-383-416-3

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Koivumäki, Terhi; Harjunen, Hannele; Hagström, Tiia; Mikkilä, Katri; Pusa, Tuija; Lahti-Koski, Marjaana

eISBN: 978-952-383-416-3

Journal or series: Valtioneuvoston selvitys- ja tutkimustoiminnan julkaisusarja

eISSN: 2342-6799

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 01/03/2023

Number in series: 2023:10

Number of pages in the book: 65

Publisher: Valtioneuvoston kanslia

Place of Publication: Helsinki

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

Persistent website address: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-383-416-3

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86291

Additional information: Tiivistelmä myös ruotsiksi: Mot en etisk och ansvarsfull diskussion och praxis beträffande vikt : stigmat kring fetma och hur det kan minskas

Abstract

This report presents the recommendations, results and research methods employed in a project funded by the Prime Minister’s Office titled “Towards ethical and responsible weight dialogue and practices”.The project was conducted by Finnish Heart Association and University of Jyväskylä in conjunction with Eating Disorder Association. The findings are based on research data obtained about obesity stigma, material from three previous studies, workshops (healthcare, exercise, obesity experts, media, decision-makers) as well as a media analysis. The project involved active participation in discussions regarding obesity stigma in the media and different networks. The stigma of obesity, specially weight-related discrimination, has an impact on all main areas of life in our society. The existing practices, structures and processes focus on weight and not wellbeing, and the way we talk about obesity further worsens the stigma. To be able to move towards ethical and responsible weight dialogue and practices and to reduce the impact of obesity stigma, we need to gain more information and understanding of this stigma through education, research and value training. We need to improve obesityrelated communications and create ethical guidelines for obesity communication and illustration. A ban on discrimination based on size or weight should be included in the Nondiscrimination Act.

Keywords: overweight; obesity; public discussion; social stigmatisation; discrimination; health promotion; well-being; equality (fundamental rights)

Free keywords: research; research activities; stigma; obesity

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023