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Fear: Expert Voices and the (Mis)Representation of Science and Health

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(Mis)Representing Weight and Obesity in the British Press

Abstract

This chapter explores the quotes, opinions, and paraphrased statements from experts, doctors, and scientists used in news articles about obesity. To do this, I followed the keywords researchers, experts, Dr, professor, scientists, doctors, and the reporting verbs which collocate with them. Following, each individual quote, opinion, and statement was read, and categorised based on the topic under discussion. Unsurprisingly, the health ramifications of obesity and weight loss were the two most predominant topics. To supplement the findings and bolster the discussion, I additionally carried out an extensive review of the existing scientific research and literature around weight and obesity. The main purpose is to ascertain whether the messages given in the media are congruent with and representative of the opinions and narratives in the scientific community. That said, I examine the extent to which the media represent the science and scientific opinions surrounding obesity in a balanced accurate manner, and discuss the potential ramifications of misinforming the public about obesity, its associated health risks, and weight loss.

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  1. Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

    Tara Coltman-Patel

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Coltman-Patel, T. (2023). Fear: Expert Voices and the (Mis)Representation of Science and Health. In: (Mis)Representing Weight and Obesity in the British Press. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-44854-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-44854-6_2

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