AUSTIN, TX - The International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA) is celebrating the 7th Annual International Size Acceptance Day (ISA Day) on April 26 with a new educational advocacy campaign. The campaign is called "Drop The Surgery, Regain Your Health" and it encourages people who are considering weight loss surgery to delay having it for one year and instead try ISAA's "Respect Fitness Health" initiative. "Respect Fitness Health" promotes self-respect, improved fitness and healthy food choices.

"Plenty of companies want to sell you what they claim is a 'quick fix' to obesity," said Allen Steadham, ISAA's Founder and Director. "We now know that the number on the scale does not determine health, since being mildly to moderately overweight is actually better for you than being 'normal' or underweight. There are too many people having surgery who do not need it and were scared into having it."

"'Respect Fitness Health' is an opportunity for people to empower themselves and regain their health and self-esteem," Steadham said. "These weight loss surgeries often cause devastating side effects and far too many deaths."

In addition, ISAA poses "Drop The Surgery" to teens and parents of plus-size children.

"If you're a plus-size teen, put off the idea of weight loss surgery until you turn 18 and try 'Respect Fitness Health' until then," Steadham said. "It's the best gift you can give yourself and it really will last a lifetime!"

ISAA began ISA Day in 1998 with an official declaration by the Mayor of Atlanta and a plus-size fashion show. Since then the event has been celebrated in Atlanta, Chicago, Austin and via the internet.

ISAA's Mission is to promote size acceptance and to help end weight-based discrimination throughout the world by means of advocacy and visible, lawful actions. ISAA was created in 1997 and has branches and representatives in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Europe, the Middle East, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.