Search Weight Loss Topics:

Home » Lose Weight » Obese People Can Still Be Affected by Social Stigma after Losing Weight

If youve always had an average body mass index (BMI), then youve probably never been taunted as much as those constantly struggling with their weight. Admittedly, society can be quite harsh with people who are obese. In fact, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, even after they have lost weight, obese individuals still risk facing other peoples criticism, depending on how they were able to reduce their weight.

A group of 73 psychology students were shown a photograph of an obese woman who had a BMI of almost 40. They were also given the womans biographical data and were then asked questions about her lifestyle. They scored her personality and behavioral characteristics as well.

Afterward, they were shown another picture of the same woman wearing similar clothes, expression and pose. The only striking difference was that the woman had already lost weight and had brought her BMI down to just 22. The participants were told different reasons for the weight loss. Some were told that it was due to surgery or diet and exercise while others were not given an explanation at all.

Results? The students who were told that the weight loss was due to diet and exercise gave the woman a favorable rating. Even those who werent given any explanation at all thought that the woman lost it all because of proper exercise and discipline. However, those who were told that the weight loss was due to surgery were less forgiving in their ratings.

The researchers noted in the paper that people often thought losing weight through surgery meant individuals didn't have to be disciplined or put in any effort, unlike those who exercised or dieted. "Thus, despite choosing to undergo weight-loss surgery to better their health and reduce weight stigma, obese individuals may continue to be viewed as conforming to the obesity stereotype, and hence be considered lazy and lacking willpower," they wrote.

For more on obesity, check these out on FN:

(Photo by inatashko via morguefile.com)

Original post:
Obese People Can Still Be Affected by Social Stigma after Losing Weight

Your Full Name
Your Email
Your Phone Number
Select your age (30+ only)	30313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120
Select Your US State	Select Your StateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington,DCWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Program Choice	Select Your ProgramInjectable HGHInjectable TestoteroneInjectable SermorelinInjectable Weight LossInjectable HCG DietInjectable Vitamins
Confirm over 30 years old	Yes
Confirm that you resident in USA	Yes
This is a Serious Inquiry	Yes
Message:

Home » Lose Weight » Obese People Can Still Be Affected by Social Stigma after Losing Weight