ABSTRACT
Communication of information through health promotion initiatives, health campaigns, health education, and other forms of mediated health messaging has a significant role in improving health and preventing disease by shaping the knowledge and behaviors of community members. Unfortunately, for the spectrum of obesity, eating disorders, and related eating and weight problems, the messages given – despite utmost positive intent – can inadvertently create harm. Jointly aligning health communication initiatives and integrating best practice in health promotion across the weight-related spectrum are essential to optimize our capacity to reduce risk. Ensuring consistency and reach of health messaging is a particular challenge in this field, due to the diversity of mediated contexts whereby people obtain health information about weight, bodies, and eating.
