Social stigmatization in the news coverage of obesity in the Spanish press during the pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: This study analyzes the treatment of obesity in the Spanish press during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of finding out how the information on this topic was framed. Methodology: Using the methodology of content analysis and the framing theory as a reference, 350 pieces of information on obesity and COVID-19 published in the digital editions of the four most widely read Spanish general-information newspapers in 2020 were analyzed: El País, El Mundo, La Vanguardia and Abc. Results: In the contents that focus on obesity the individual responsibility frame predominates, attributing the cause of obesity to individual responsibility and disseminating the idea that being overweight is a personal choice. On the other hand, in those centred on COVID-19, the collective responsibility frame predominates. Offensive language and images that reflect negatively on people with obesity are also used, albeit in a minority of cases. Discussion: The media can influence the beliefs and attitudes of its audience, as well as health care decision-making. Thus, the way in which the media portrays obesity is important in increasing or reducing stigmatization toward people who suffer from it. Conclusions: Narrative attributing the cause of obesity to individual responsibility fosters increased social stigma and reinforces weight-based stereotypes and should be avoided in the media.