Obesity in the News

This insightful analysis explores how language in media shapes societal views on obesity, revealing stigma and potential for more compassionate representations in Obesity in the News.

In Obesity in the News, the authors delve into the intricate ways newspapers utilize language to depict obesity, exploring the potential for this language to shame and stigmatize individuals affected by the condition. This pioneering work offers a comprehensive linguistic analysis of how obesity is represented in the British press, revealing the underlying societal attitudes that influence public perception. By employing innovative methods and key theories, the authors shed light on the complex relationship between language and social issues, particularly in the context of a pressing health crisis.

The book meticulously analyzes a substantial corpus of newspaper articles, spanning ten years and totaling 36 million words. Through a combination of corpus linguistics and critical discourse studies, the authors examine various analytical themes, such as the differences in coverage between newspapers, the evolution of language over time, and the influence of factors like diet, exercise, gender, and social class. This multifaceted approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how obesity is framed in media narratives and the implications of this framing for individuals living with obesity.

Additionally, Obesity in the News investigates the language used by readers in online comments, highlighting public responses to media representations. The authors illuminate how linguistic choices can reinforce negative stereotypes, portraying individuals with obesity as irresponsible or morally deviant. However, they also advocate for alternative representations that emphasize the impact of social and political forces on this critical health issue, suggesting pathways for more compassionate and constructive discourse.