Weight Discrimination Increasing
Research at Yale University has shown that perceived discrimination against overweight people is increasing.
The researchers examined two phases of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) conducted in 1995-1996 and 2004-2006. Almost 3,500 adults aged 35 to 74 years were surveyed. The results show that weight discrimination has increased from 7 to 12 percent.
Participants were surveyed on whether they had experienced bias, and if so, for what reason. The examples of discrimination included being denied a scholarship, job, or promotion; losing a job; being denied a bank loan; receiving inferior medical care; being hassled by police; receiving poorer service in a restaurant or store; name calling; threatening, or harassment.
During the same 10-year period, reports of discrimination based on race were stable, but reports of discrimination based on gender and aged did increase. The increase in weight discrimination was found in all groups except the elderly.
This study is believed to be the first to document patterns of weight discrimination in the United States.
The Yale news release does not mention it, but I wonder if the researchers accounted for the increase in obesity during that 10 year period. It is easy to judge someone by their appearance, but discrimination and negative actions toward people rarely help them overcome their struggles. Positive energy builds positive results.
Reference: Yale University
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I think that last paragraph hits the nail on the head. Folks don’t typically get “better” as a result of discrimination or even winning such legal cases….They typically change results because they see a benefit in it and have some positive experiences that assist them in their journey.
T
Tommy’s last blog post..Salesmen In The House
I notice people openly making inappropriate comments against heavier people fairly often. Even in a professional environment, people will make jokes about overwieght people.
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Its horrible. I find my self looking down upon overweight people that I don’t know. I just assume that they are lazy and do not have self control because I used to be overweight.
Thanks for the comments. I agree that positive energy really is the best way to help somebody lose weight. Discrimination or negative comments only makes somebody feel bad and removes any motivation to diet or exercise.
In a work environment, making negative comments is just unprofessional.