I have been working with clients to help them manage weight for almost 25 years and "fat prejudice" has always been a part of the conversation. Some people avoid exercising outside of their homes because of the concern that people will make jokes about them (and who likes to use exercise equipment at home really?). Some people avoid seeking regular medical care because they do not like to be weighed and lectured to about the obvious need to lose weight. For those who struggle with overeating, stress and isolation contribute to the struggle. It is no surprise to me that we now have research that makes this association perfectly clear.
"Obesity is a physiological issue, but when people have negative interactions in their social world -- including a sense of being discriminated against -- it can make matters worse and contribute to a person's declining physical health," Schafer said."
We need to be careful as we develop programs to address obesity, especially programs for kids, that we do not contribute to this stigmatization.
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/03/03/stigma-often-adds-to-burden-of-obesity
|
