I am a concerned parent, friend, and family member who is deeply troubled by the pervasive influence of diet culture on our society. 

• Dr Anastasia Kalea (UCL Division of Medicine) said: “Sadly healthcare, including general practice, is one of the most common settings for weight stigmatisation. A common misconception among medics and others, is that obesity is caused by factors within a person’s control, focusing on diet and exercise without recognition of, an individuals biology, social, economical and environmental factors.
• According to research conducted by King's College London (2021), weight stigma affects over half of adults in England.
• Studies by the IES in 2020 (institute for employment studies) found weight based stigma happens at every stage of employment.
• As part of an inquiry into body image by the Women and Equalities Committee in 2021 the WHO (world health organisation) reported that children in higher weight categories were 63% more likely to be bullied.
• Research from BMC Public Health in 2017 shows that individuals who are considered overweight may face assumptions related to qualities like gluttony, poor hygiene, laziness, and low competence. 

This is but a tiny selection of research that's been completed about weight stigma. We no longer discriminate against a person based on their faith, whether they're married or in a civil partnership, on maternity leave or the other 9 protected characteristics; so why do we continue to discriminate against a person based on the size of their body? 

It's time to challenge this systemic issue head on. By including body shape and size as a protected characteristic under law, we can begin dismantling harmful stereotypes perpetuated by diet culture. We can help foster an inclusive society where everyone is valued regardless of their physical appearance, and judged not by our bodies, but by our character. 

Please sign this petition urging lawmakers to include body shape and size as a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act 2010.