Discrimination based on weight: Characteristics, prevalence, and additional details
In today's society, weight discrimination is a pressing issue that significantly impacts the lives of many individuals. This form of discrimination, based on a person's body weight, can have far-reaching effects on mental and physical health, education, employment, and healthcare settings.
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a nonprofit organisation, offers support for overweight and obese individuals, providing a community of supporters, education, information, and access to qualified medical providers. Despite the support available, weight discrimination continues to be a prevalent issue.
Weight bias, a form of weight discrimination, involves negative ideas and attitudes associated with overweight and obesity. Examples of these negative ideas include thinking people are lazy, lack willpower, or are unintelligent. This bias can lead to poorer health outcomes, including a greater risk of all-cause mortality and worse cardiovascular health outcomes.
In employment, weight discrimination can affect the hiring process, salary, promotions, disciplinary actions, and contract termination. Women are particularly affected, earning less money as their body mass index increases. In educational settings, bias and stereotypes can lead to social rejection, reduced participation, and lower academic self-confidence, potentially impacting educational attainment.
Weight discrimination is also common in healthcare settings, where patients may face inappropriate comments about weight from healthcare professionals, less rapport and open communication, and less time spent with patients, negatively affecting their health outcomes. This discrimination exacerbates stress and worsens both mental and physical health outcomes.
Counteracting weight stigma requires societal change, starting with individuals reflecting on their actions and treating others with empathy, understanding, and respect. People experiencing weight discrimination may also seek help from a mental health professional to work through difficult emotions and struggles.
As of now, weight discrimination is not illegal in the U.S. at the federal level, with only Michigan having a law against weight bias. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) considers severe obesity a disability, meaning employers cannot discriminate against someone who is severely obese.
In conclusion, weight discrimination is a pervasive social problem that negatively impacts the full spectrum of an individual’s life—mental and physical health, educational opportunities, job prospects, and access to equitable healthcare—largely through stigma, internalized self-blame, social exclusion, and systemic bias. It is crucial for society to address and combat this issue to promote a more inclusive and compassionate environment for all individuals.
References:
[1] Puhl, R. M., & Brownell, K. D. (2006). Weight stigma: Implications for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 96(2), 274–280.
[2] Puhl, R. M., & Brownell, K. D. (2013). The psychology of weight stigma: Key issues and future directions. Obesity Reviews, 14(Suppl 1), 48–57.
[3] Bacon, L. (2018). Bodies in Revolt: Embracing Change and Unleashing Transformation when Food is the Problem. Beacon Press.
[4] Phelan, S., Link, B. G., & Tehranifar, P. (2010). Fundamentals of ecological models of health and disease. Annual Review of Public Health, 31, 33–47.
[5] Schwartz, M. B., & Brownell, K. D. (2010). Stigma and obesity: A review and analysis of psychological mechanisms underpinning weight discrimination. Obesity Reviews, 11(Suppl 1), 6–15.
- Weight discrimination, rooted in negative perceptions about obesity, can lead to poorer mental and physical health outcomes, as highlighted in the research by Puhl & Brownell (2006, 2013) and Schwartz & Brownell (2010).
- The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) offers support, education, and access to healthcare providers for individuals struggling with weight, providing a platform in the general health arena.
- In the workplace, weight discrimination can impact salary, promotions, and job security, as evidenced by studies such as Phelan, Link, & Tehranifar (2010).
- In the realm of health and wellness, addressing weight discrimination is essential to promote workplace wellness and improve mental health, as suggested by Bacon (2018).
- To combat weight discrimination, society needs to foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect, mirroring the principles of science and health in their approach to fitness, nutrition, and weight management.
- Beyond the individual, therapies and treatments for weight management should be approached with a holistic view, addressing the social stigma and mental health aspects of weight discrimination as proposed by numerous studies, such as Puhl & Brownell (2006, 2013) and Schwartz & Brownell (2010).
- Despite the pressing nature of weight discrimination, as of now, there is no federal law in the U.S. prohibiting weight bias, but employers must adhere to non-discrimination regulations for those with severe obesity, as recognized by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
