Obesity: the more we are stigmatized, the more we are obese
At the University College of London, a study confirms that the discrimination of which a person can be victim, has harmful effects on his weight.
The study (1) focused on 150 obese people who are victims of this discrimination on a daily basis. The researchers developed their analysis on weight, height and waist circumference data from nearly 3,000 adults aged 50 and over. Each participant completed a precise questionnaire which was scrupulously analyzed. It has been shown that the more people feel harassed or threatened, the higher their BMI .
This study shows that the participant who suffers daily insults takes more than a kilo per year of investigation, which is not the case for those who declared not to know any particular persecution. Psychological interactions therefore have a detrimental effect on overweight people, they react positively to weight gain, this has been demonstrated throughout the duration of the study.
Children are the first concerned
Self-image being essential in today’s society, a child is sensitive to any form of discrimination. Stereotypes die hard, an overweight child is often the ideal target of extremely hurtful words mainly during his school days, which unknowingly causes a 66% worsening of his obesity, when he enters life adult.
The label “big or fat” sticks to the skin and generates, more than a decade later, an overeating which increases in a rather important way, the weight of the subject and increases his stress in a considerable way. People who are already overweight are therefore those who gain the most weight. A finding that joins a previous study by the University of Manchester (2) , which had reached similar conclusions.
Obesity is a recurring problem in many Western countries, but it is improving slightly overall. However, it remains a danger not to be underestimated. BMIs increase only in people who are already obese, while they show a slight decrease over time for the other subjects examined.
A new study is currently in preparation, it will seek to demonstrate what became of obese children 20 years ago. Has their stigmatization been an obstacle to their social elevation? The coming months will tell.
How to prevent obesity from setting in?
Focusing on a balanced diet is important. Regular physical exercise can come in addition. Even if these studies are only carried out on a modest sample of the population, this sample nevertheless remains a truth for many people.
Prevention among young and old is essential, in order to prevent them from being victims of “overeating”. Exercising allows you to feel better in your body and to no longer be the target of ridicule. It is essential, in the 21st century, to slow down the progression of obesity in our developed countries, thanks to targeted actions in favor of the youngest, who are more vulnerable , so that they will be adults in the future. responsible, able to manage their daily diet, for a more fulfilling life.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.