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The Social Stigma of
Obesity:
Understanding the
Psychological Pain Associated with Being Obese
Worldwide obesity rates are
higher than they have ever been before and are consistently climbing
further. While obesity can be looked upon as a medical condition, there are
heavy psychological burdens associated with it as well. The social stigma of
obesity often causes those who are obese to dislike themselves and become
reclusive. This can lead to social alienation, dangerous levels of anxiety
and chronic depression. Additionally, there are uncountable health risks
associated with obesity that require serious consideration.
There is a widespread stereotype directed at the obese in many
societies
across the planet. Obese people are looked upon as lazy, unsightly, lacking
health and lacking willpower. Further, those who are obese have a greater
probability to be limited in social class. They are also far less likely to
ever be married. Additionally, obese people are very likely to experience
discrimination of the following types:
The definition of obesity:
Obesity is a condition of having too much body fat. Although it really has
nothing to do with one’s weight, it is most often the case that obese people
are overweight as well. The most commonly accepted method for determining
obesity in a given individual is to measure their body mass index or BMI.
According to The National Center for Health Statistics, a BMI rating of 27.3
determines obesity in women and a rating of 27.8 classifies the men.
The causes of obesity:
While it is true that obesity can result because of psychosocial problems
and/or various medical conditions, the fact is that most people become obese
as a result of chronically improper dietary choices and
lacking physical
activity levels. In fact, health professionals in America classify over 25%
of the population as “completely sedentary”. Obviously, obesity is a serious
issue for public health as it is directly correlated to many cases of
morbidity and death.
Health risks associated with obesity:
Obesity is a primary factor in the development and onset of nearly every
preventable disease known. By lessening obesity and maintaining a healthy
weight level, individuals significantly reduce their probabilities for
developing all of the following health disorders:
-
Heart disease;
-
Various types of cancer;
-
Diabetes mellitus type II;
-
Stroke;
-
High LDL cholesterol
levels;
-
Atherosclerosis;
-
Sclerosis of the liver;
-
Kidney disorders and
failure;
-
Bone and joint disorders;
-
And so many more…
The psychological pain of
obesity:
It’s obvious that most obese people would like to become more fit. They know
that they would look better, feel better and be able to perform more
efficiently in all areas of life. However, for so many people, leading a fit
and trim lifestyle is a very difficult undertaking, especially when they are
already obese to begin with. Many times, obese people feel helpless. They
may give much energy towards trying to eat right and the more physically
active, but their attempts continually fail. There are many reasons for
these failures including:
-
Lacking education about
human nutrition;
-
The ready availability of
fast foods, bleached foods, processed foods, prepared foods, microwave
foods, foods high in saturated and trans fats, high sugar foods and so many
other foods that are of empty nutritional value;
-
Technological advancements
that make regular physical activity less of a practical necessity;
-
Fear of chastisement from
other members of society;
The social stigma of obesity damages the
self-esteem levels of those who are
obese. So called “fit” people all too commonly make fun of the obese without
any consideration to the complexity of their individual conditions. There is
no thought given to the obese individual’s situation or totally unique
medical make-up. Childish fun is poked at the obese with no regards to their
feelings – and it hurts them.
As obesity rates continue to climb worldwide, it becomes more necessary to
exercise compassion and to help to increase education levels concerning
human nutrition. The best place to begin the journey is in recognizing the
need that we all have for wholesomely-nutritious foods, gallons and gallons
of crisp water and daily physical activity. You can make a difference
beginning today by being intentionally mindful about the thoughts and
feelings of the obese people around you. Your positive energy will help
obese individuals, and you, to feel better and also help to decrease the
detrimental social stigma of obesity.
The Media Influences on our body shapes
and size
You must seek approval from your doctor
before starting any new diet.
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