People Magazine, Stop Using “No Surgery!, No Gimmicks!”
December 29, 2014Each year People magazine publishes a "Half Their Size" issue in which they feature individuals who have lost a large amount of weight. While the achievement is one worthy of a front page celebration, the editors of People are sure to point out that the individuals achieved the weight loss with "No Surgery!, No Gimmicks!" which shames those who do opt to have weight loss surgery.
Last year, Nikki Massie aka Bariatric Foodie wrote an open letter to People about their use of "No Surgery! No Gimmicks!"
Why? Because to perpetuate the myth that traditional diet and exercise plans are superior to weight loss surgery reinforces some negative, even toxic, stereotypes that draw people away from reality and buy into perception.
Apparently, the editors of People didn't get the message, and now Diana Vogel, MS MFT-Intern has taken another step to get their attention. Diana has created a petition on Change.org asking that People "Stop using the phrases 'No surgery!', 'No gimmicks!' when advertising your Half Their Size yearly issue."
A Petition to People Magazine
It is important to applaud and celebrate those who lose weight using the conventional, less invasive method, but why shame those who have chosen the weight loss surgery (wls) route in the process?
Not only does it shame those who choose surgery as a tool, it perpetuates societies negative view about weight lose surgery. It's about respecting ones choice, instead of putting them down for it.
Pairing the phrase, "No surgery" with the phrase, "No gimmicks", insinuates that weight loss surgery is a gimmick, a quick fix, a cheat. By grouping the two catch phrases together you are leading readers to believe they are some how related, this is simply irresponsible.
This petition in not about changing ones opinion about weight loss surgery, we are not asking anyone to understand or agree with the decision to choose weight loss surgery as an option, this is about not shaming this community of great people. It's about respecting ones decision without putting it down, without perpetuating the negative connotation that comes with having weight loss surgery and without passing judgement.
We are not asking to be on the cover, we are not even asking you to feature a wls success story. We, respectfully, do not need People Magazines approval by way of recognition to validate that our decision to choose wls was the right one for us. We are asking that you be more responsible and sensitive when promoting this issue. As a major publication you influence millions, you shape opinions, you impact lives....you don't need "tabloid like" headings/phrases to sell this issue. It will sell on it's own because readers trust your magazine and because this topic resonates with millions. So please reconsider your headinglines in next years issue...it matters.
Respectfully,
Diana Vogel, MS, MFT Intern
Weight Loss Surgery Patient & LA Marathon Finisher
Do you want to get involved?
- SIGN the petition. You can add your name and a personal comment of support to the petition. If you've had weight loss surgery, let them know why you feel those phrases should stop being used and how weight loss surgery has helped you.
- SHARE the petition. In just one day, the petition received more than 800 signatures. You can help spread the word about the petition by emailing it to your contacts . You could also share it on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or in any of your favorite social media outlets.
