In Angers, a new association is mobilizing to fight against prejudices linked to obesity. Founded by four former participants of a medical program, Double Standards wants to break isolation, raise public awareness and promote appropriate support.
From left to right: Quentin Marchand (president), Lisa Jauneau (vice-president), Florence Drouin (treasurer) and Virginie Lecointre (secretary). – © Double standards
In Angers, four people joined forces to better support people suffering from obesity. Their association, Two Standards, Two Measures (2P2M), aims to provide a space of support, raise public awareness and encourage appropriate medical follow-up. Created in November 2024, it is preparing to launch its activities in the first quarter of 2025.
Support born from a common experience
Quentin Marchand, Lisa Jauneau, Florence Drouin and Virginie Lecointre met as part of the Tempo program at Angers University Hospital, an intensive multidisciplinary follow-up intended for patients suffering from obesity. If this program allowed them to build relationships and progress, everyone noticed the void left at its end. “ We find ourselves alone in the face of illness », explains Quentin Marchand, president of the association.
To remedy this, Two Weights, Two Measures wishes to organize regular meetings in the form of monthly snacks, sports sessions adapted by videoconference, as well as discussion groups. The objective: to recreate a collective dynamic and break the social isolation often linked to obesity.
« Many people with obesity are socially isolated. To fight against illness we need to be accompanied and supported. This is why we decided to create the association, which is open to everyone, men or women, obese or not. », continues the president of the association.
Raise awareness and support without judgment
Beyond direct support for people experiencing obesity, the association's mission is to deconstruct preconceived ideas: “ This disease is complex and can have multiple causes: genetic, psychological or even metabolic. », underlines Quentin Marchand.
Members also insist on the need for caring and appropriate medical support. They plan to form a network of health professionals validated by their members, in order to avoid the grossophobic behavior sometimes encountered in the medical environment.
« By being surrounded in a caring manner, we can share our experiences and be listened to without being judged. », adds Florence Drouin.
Long-term projects
From March 23, 2025, Two Standards will organize a march to raise awareness of the reality of obesity. In the longer term, the association wishes to intervene in schools to address issues linked to obesity and bullying, and thus promote better understanding from an early age.
The founders also hope to expand their action beyond Angers, to the whole of Maine-et-Loire, or even beyond. “ We also hope to expand into Sarthe and Orne where there is a real lack of association », concludes Quentin Marchand.
To contact Double standards: [email protected]
By Eline Vion.
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