142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Annual Meeting Recordings are now available for purchase

313397
Stigma of obesity in America: A first-hand story of shame and triumph

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 : 11:02 AM - 11:10 AM

Natalie Muth, MD, MPH, RD, FAAP , American Council on Exercise, San Diego, CA
Ian Jensen , Marketing, American Council on Exercise, San Diego, CA
After spending much of his life at a healthy weight, Lee Jordan began steadily gaining weight in his 20s. He reached a top weight of 450 pounds, and lived what he refers to as a “nightmare of a life.” In addition to myriad health conditions, Lee could barely walk and lived tethered to an oxygen tank. Lee describes his experience of stigmatization and shame accompanying severe obesity, as well as the daily challenges to complete daily activities like putting on shoes, using the restroom, or attending a child's sporting event. After being inspired by his then-friend Beth Jordan, Lee began his journey to health and fitness by walking 30 seconds every morning down the hallway outside of his apartment. Now more than 270 pounds lighter, Lee is a personal trainer and health coach specializing in helping people lose 100-300 pounds and rediscover a life of freedom. His program has inspired multiple people all over the country to change their lives.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact of weight bias on the person who is severely obese Outline several strategies public health professionals may take to support individuals who struggle with severe obesity

Keyword(s): Chronic disease management and prevention, Social and behavioral sciences

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, board-certified pediatrician with expertise in obesity, and a public health advocate. My area of expertise is obesity prevention and treatment, with strong recognition of the psychological and behavioral factors that influence energy balance, including weight bias and stigmatization.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.