Obesity Stigma - a heavy burden

Dr. Schulman · February 12, 2009

Dr. Schulman discusses the stigma of obesity. In this article, "Obesity Stigma - a heavy burden", Dr. Schulman addresses society's bias against obese individuals. This bias affects many aspects of an obese person's life. In fact, the damage can be so deep-rooted, that they are still affected long after the weight is lost.

More importantly, Dr. Schulman introduces the idea that this bias exists even among healthcare workers - even those who specifically work with obese individuals. It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize obesity as a disease, and not simply a reflection of being "lazy" or lacking self control.

This article appears in the Jan/Feb, 2009 issue of Advance Healthy Aging. The full article can be read in the attachment below.

obesity stigma.pdf

CoachCher · February 12, 2009

Great Article!! It's so true you still have the same feelings after you lose the weight.

I know I have the mind of a obese person even though I have lost most of my weight. I don't look in the mirror and see a obese person but my thoughts are those of a obese person. I believe I will always feel/know I have a inner obese person inside of me.

Again Thanks for sharing your very candid article with us.

kirsty39 · February 14, 2009

Your article was so right on the money!!!! I cannot believe how much compassion you have for the obese. I can relate every aspect of that article to my life. I remember vividly the school nurse in 6th grade yelling out my weight of 144 pounds. The shame and humilation started from that day on! Here I am turning 40 in 2 weeks, still feeling so much pain from obesity. Emotional pain that I am still trying to let go. When I think of the cruelness of some I feel very resentful. Being told by the Marketing Director of my company "Start running with me, eat healthy and I will make you a Rep" Are you kidding me? I was a 20 year old, beautiful, OBESE, young women with lots of aspirations. One month later I was let go. I wish I had lost weight so long ago, I feel like I missed out on alot of opportunities. Not because I didnt try..Believe me I pretended to be sooo confident. Almost to make up for my disability. Now, that is what I consider it. I speak to someone once a week to deal with my emotional scars. It really does help. I applaud the Doctor for writing such a honest, eye opening article.