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Abstract
This article examines the ethical concerns surrounding the depiction of obese individuals, particularly the use of anonymized images on social media by medical professionals. While such images are common in medical literature to highlight adiposity and its comorbidities, their inappropriate use—such as stigmatizing or denigrating individuals—raises significant ethical questions. The multifactorial origins of obesity, including genetic, epigenetic, and social factors, complicate simplistic blame narratives often reinforced by societal stereotypes and media portrayals. Obesity-related stigma, deeply rooted in bio-psycho-social perceptions, manifests in discrimination, negative media stereotypes, and biases in employment and social interactions, adversely impacting mental health and treatment outcomes. The article emphasizes that social media, unlike peer-reviewed medical publications, lacks regulation and ethical oversight, exposing vulnerable groups to hate speech and misinformation. It criticizes the portrayal of obese individuals in a negative light, arguing that such depictions are unprofessional and harmful, especially when images are anonymized or used without informed consent. The consensus among professional bodies underscores that weight bias impairs health and inhibits access to evidence based care; thus, stigmatizing images by medical professionals are inappropriate. The EBCOG advocate for stringent guidelines and regulation of social media contents to promote a holistic and compassionate management of obesity and calling for ethical standards to prevent further harm. Ultimately, public health efforts should focus on reducing stigma, supporting affected individuals, and encouraging responsible communication within medical and social spheres.