Bias, Discrimination, and Obesity

Bias, Discrimination, and Obesity

December 2001 | Rebecca Puhl and Kelly D. Brownell
Bias, discrimination, and obesity. This article reviews information on discriminatory attitudes and behaviors against obese individuals, integrates this to show whether systematic discrimination occurs and why, and discusses needed work in the field. Clear and consistent stigmatization, and in some cases discrimination, can be documented in three important areas of living: employment, education, and health care. Among the findings are that 28% of teachers in one study said that becoming obese is the worst thing that can happen to a person; 24% of nurses said that they are “repulsed” by obese persons; and, controlling for income and grades, parents provide less college support for their overweight than for their thin children. There are also suggestions but not yet documentation of discrimination occurring in adoption proceedings, jury selection, housing, and other areas. Given the vast numbers of people potentially affected, it is important to consider the research-related, educational, and social policy implications of these findings. The article examines existing literature on this topic, with special attention to areas of major importance to well-being. Legal remedies sought by obese individuals accusing institutions of discrimination will be discussed, areas in need of further research will be noted, and conclusions will be drawn about the state of this field. This article is organized in sections on discrimination in areas of employment, medical and health care, education, and areas we believe are in need of additional research. In employment settings, studies show that overweight people may be at a disadvantage. Experimental studies suggest that overweight people may be at a substantial disadvantage even before the interview process begins. Studies show that overweight individuals are often judged more negatively than average-weight individuals, with overweight applicants being less likely to be hired and receiving lower evaluations. Research also indicates that obese employees face a significant wage penalty, with obese women earning less than non-obese women. Additionally, obese employees are less likely to be promoted and may be terminated due to their weight. In medical and health settings, studies show that health care professionals often hold negative attitudes toward obese individuals, which can affect clinical judgments and deter obese persons from seeking care. Research indicates that physicians and nurses often view obese patients as less desirable, with negative stereotypes about their behavior and health. These attitudes can lead to discrimination in health care settings, with obese individuals receiving less appropriate care and being less likely to receive preventive services. In educational settings, studies show that obese children face discrimination and bias from peers, leading to negative self-perceptions and social challenges. Research indicates that obese children are often rejected by peers and may experience bullying and teasing, which can have long-term effects on their self-esteem and social functioning. Additionally, obese students may face discrimination in college admissions and may be less likely to be accepted to college despite having equivalent academic performance to non-obese peers. The article concludes that discrimination against obese individuals is a significant issue that requires further research and policy changes. It emphasizes the need for education and awareness to reduce bias and discrimination, as well as the importance ofBias, discrimination, and obesity. This article reviews information on discriminatory attitudes and behaviors against obese individuals, integrates this to show whether systematic discrimination occurs and why, and discusses needed work in the field. Clear and consistent stigmatization, and in some cases discrimination, can be documented in three important areas of living: employment, education, and health care. Among the findings are that 28% of teachers in one study said that becoming obese is the worst thing that can happen to a person; 24% of nurses said that they are “repulsed” by obese persons; and, controlling for income and grades, parents provide less college support for their overweight than for their thin children. There are also suggestions but not yet documentation of discrimination occurring in adoption proceedings, jury selection, housing, and other areas. Given the vast numbers of people potentially affected, it is important to consider the research-related, educational, and social policy implications of these findings. The article examines existing literature on this topic, with special attention to areas of major importance to well-being. Legal remedies sought by obese individuals accusing institutions of discrimination will be discussed, areas in need of further research will be noted, and conclusions will be drawn about the state of this field. This article is organized in sections on discrimination in areas of employment, medical and health care, education, and areas we believe are in need of additional research. In employment settings, studies show that overweight people may be at a disadvantage. Experimental studies suggest that overweight people may be at a substantial disadvantage even before the interview process begins. Studies show that overweight individuals are often judged more negatively than average-weight individuals, with overweight applicants being less likely to be hired and receiving lower evaluations. Research also indicates that obese employees face a significant wage penalty, with obese women earning less than non-obese women. Additionally, obese employees are less likely to be promoted and may be terminated due to their weight. In medical and health settings, studies show that health care professionals often hold negative attitudes toward obese individuals, which can affect clinical judgments and deter obese persons from seeking care. Research indicates that physicians and nurses often view obese patients as less desirable, with negative stereotypes about their behavior and health. These attitudes can lead to discrimination in health care settings, with obese individuals receiving less appropriate care and being less likely to receive preventive services. In educational settings, studies show that obese children face discrimination and bias from peers, leading to negative self-perceptions and social challenges. Research indicates that obese children are often rejected by peers and may experience bullying and teasing, which can have long-term effects on their self-esteem and social functioning. Additionally, obese students may face discrimination in college admissions and may be less likely to be accepted to college despite having equivalent academic performance to non-obese peers. The article concludes that discrimination against obese individuals is a significant issue that requires further research and policy changes. It emphasizes the need for education and awareness to reduce bias and discrimination, as well as the importance of
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