The Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention’s (AWHP) EveryBODY Covered campaign, in partnership with Perfeqta –– a Talent Development Agency that helps companies foster high-performing teams through equity-driven initiatives to enhance company culture –– recently hosted a webinar and fireside chat titled “Destigmatizing Obesity in the Workplace.” The webinar was hosted by Latesha Byrd, CEO of Perfeqta and featured Millicent Gorham, CEO of AWHP, as well as Katrina Jones, Founder of Advancing Equity + Inclusion.

During the webinar, the experts discussed obesity as a chronic disease, its impact on women’s workplace experiences and the importance of employer support for those living with obesity. Additionally, the panelists emphasized the critical role employers play in addressing obesity in the workplace. They explained that by educating their teams on weight bias, adopting inclusive person-first language and providing comprehensive coverage for obesity care options, employers can cultivate an environment where all employees have the support they need to thrive and lead their healthiest lives.

The following fireside chat explored practical strategies that employers and human resources leaders can implement to foster a more inclusive workplace culture for employees living with obesity, such as engaging with employees about their needs and advocating for comprehensive health care policies. You can watch the full webinar session here, and access here a resource guide outlining how employers and HR leaders can take steps to destigmatize obesity in the workplace and better support employees living with obesity.