Queen Latifah supports change. The actress and rapper, collaborates with the “It’s Bigger Than Me!” to help obese people receive comprehensive medical care. “66% of people with obesity have felt the stigma of weight from doctors”, Latifah told People. “We want to make sure people get care that helps and respects them».

Obesity continues to be widespread in the United States. “Four in 10 Americans are obese and 4 in 5 black womenLatifah said.

Using a new symbol, care providers will be able to signal that their offices are safe spaces, free of judgment or bias. “This new symbol is a symbol of hope, a symbol that says we are allies, a symbol that says you will get good health care here,” he added.

“I saw my cousin who had to deal with this issue — she was morbidly obese and in and out of the hospital,” Latifah continued. “There were so many things he had to deal with. And for a doctor to say, “Oh, you need to lose some weight.” Well, it’s not that easy. Everyone’s bodies are not the same. We all deserve specific individual care».

Another element of the campaign is the education of doctors about good practices concerning patients with obesity.

“It’s called comprehensive obesity care because it makes sure everyone feels welcome and respected when they come to the office. Imagine how good it must feel when a patient walks through that door and sees the appropriate chairs or desk layout, that someone has thought of them, taken the time to think about what their needs are. There is a sense of “I’m respected here. I’m welcome here”“, he said.

Latifah went on to say how much health awareness helped her growing up.

“I went through some of these things as a kid—in class photos, I was this big kid for my age, but sensitive inside. So people would say things to me that hurt my feelings. Luckily I had parents who would love me and bring me back. But it was difficult at timesLatifa said.