For most of my life, I have been obese. I've seen first-hand how society does not shy away from discriminating against me due to my size. I've endured exclusion from jobs or shaming in fashion stores. This personal struggle of mine is unfortunately shared by many in our society today.

In the United States, there are currently no federal laws in place to prohibit weight-based discrimination. This has led to such behavior being rarely questioned or challenged and sadly, often outright ignored. This major gap in our policies puts countless lives at risk of critical mental and emotional harm every day.

Weight discrimination can affect employment status, wages, and even job opportunities. According to a study by Cornell University, women who are overweight earn approximately 6% less than their non-overweight peers, while men experience a wage penalty of approximately 3% (Puhl, R., & Heuer, C. (2009). The Stigma of Obesity: A Review and Update).

In an era where we fight to promote body positivity and mental health, it is ironic how we have overlooked such a widespread issue. What we need now is a comprehensive federal law that explicitly prohibits weight-based discrimination, offering protection and equal rights to every individual, regardless of their size.

Join me in urging our lawmakers to rectify this missing piece in our legal framework. This petition is not just about fighting for myself, but for the countless others who share my experience daily. Signing this petition can push us one step closer to a more inclusive and understanding society.

Let's end weight-based discrimination once and for all. Sign the petition.