It is of great concern that studies have shown that children as young as nine years old are dissatisfied with their body shape and want to lose weight. These attitudes produce considerable stigma about even minor degrees of overweight, which is seen as a self inflicted problem and a sign of a weak character. This extremely negative perception of obesity is typical of children, adults and even health professionals. It is also characteristic of industrialised, Western cultures. In more traditional societies such as Tonga, overweight is associated with a nurturing image and positively encouraged amongst both men and women.
Obese people face discrimination in education, work, healthcare and social relationships.
A large study in the USA followed a group of 16-24 year olds for seven years. It was found that women who were overweight at the start of the study completed fewer years at school, were less likely to be married, had lower household incomes and higher rates of household poverty. In contrast, men in the study who were overweight were only less likely to be married. Education Obese people often receive a lower standard of education than their thinner counterparts and do less well within the educational environment. Studies have shown that in schools and colleges, fewer obese students are found in the top section of the class and that obese students tend to complete fewer years at school.