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<p>The Government welcomes the report by Sarah Jackson and colleagues as a contribution
to our knowledge and understanding of this important area. Obese people often face
negative and discriminatory attitudes. While obesity is not a protected characteristic
under the Equality Act 2010, if obesity results in long term physical or mental impairment
(as set out in Section 6 of the 2010 Act) then the person with the impairment will
be protected from unlawful discrimination under this Act. The Government Equalities
Office runs a body image programme, which aims to raise awareness and understanding
of body image, promote the positive representation of a healthy diversity of body
types, and support young people’s resilience and media literacy. Obesity is a considerable
problem for public health, and the Government is committed to tackling this through
its national obesity strategy. Public Health England also works to promote good body
image along with healthy lifestyles.</p><p> </p><p>Many of those who react negatively
to obese individuals justify doing so by alluding to rising rates of obesity. There
is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that good body image is an important motivator
in achieving and sustaining a healthy weight – and, conversely, that low body confidence
is associated with continued weight gain. The Government’s Change4Life campaign does
not engage in fat shaming or denigration of obese people; it encourages all of us
to take steps to improve our health and wellbeing and adopt a healthier diet, starting
from wherever we are.</p><p> </p><p>In 2013 the Government Equalities Office hosted
a multidisciplinary academic seminar that explored these issues, and the body image
programme continues to contribute to the Department of Health’s important work on
obesity.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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