The Harmful Effects of Fat Shaming
Some believe that making overweight people feel embarrassed of their weight or eating habits may motivate them to get healthier.
However, scientific evidence confirms that nothing could be further from the truth.
Instead of motivating people, fat shaming makes them feel dreadful about themselves, causing them to eat more and gain more weight
This article tells you everything you need to know about fat shaming or weight discrimination and its harmful effects.
Fat shaming involves denouncing and harassing overweight people about their weight or eating habits to make them feel ashamed of themselves.
The belief is that this may motivate people to eat less, exercise more, and lose weight.
In the majority of cases, the people who weight discriminate others are slim and never had to struggle with a weight problem.
Research shows that much of the discussion on obesity on social media involves fat shaming, which often turns into harassment and cyberbullying — especially against women
In fact, there are entire online communities where people gather to make fun of overweight people.
Instead of motivating people, fat shaming makes them feel dreadful about themselves, causing them to eat more and gain weight.
NEVER SHAME OTHER BODY TYPES, TO ENDORSE YOUR OWN.
Discrimination causes stress and negatively affects people.
In the case of overweight individuals, this stress can drive them to eat more and gain more weight
In a study in 89 women, exposure to weight-stigmatizing information made those who were overweight — but not normal-weight — eat more calories and feel less in control of their eating
In another study in 78 overweight women, those who watched a stigmatizing video ate 4 times as many calories afterward compared to those who watched a non-stigmatizing video
many other studies support that any type of fat shaming causes overweight people to become stressed, eat more calories, and gain more weight
Many studies have looked at weight discrimination and the risk of future weight gain and obesity.
In one study in 6,157 people, non-obese participants who experienced weight discrimination were 2.5 times more likely to become obese over the next few years
Additionally, obese people who experienced weight discrimination were 3.2 times more likely to remain obese .
This shows that fat shaming is improbable to motivate people to lose weight.
Another study in 2,944 people found that weight discrimination was linked to a 6.67-times greater risk of becoming obese
The adverse effects of fat shaming go beyond increased weight gain — which is serious enough.
Here are some examples of harmful effects usually occur due to fat shaming.
Depression. People who are discriminated against due to weight are at a higher risk of depression and other mental issues.
Eating disorders. Fat shaming is directly connected to an increased risk of eating disorders, such as binge eating.
Reduced self-esteem. Fat shaming is linked to reduced self-esteem.
Others. By causing stress, weight gain, increased cortisol levels, and mental problems, weight discrimination may raise your risk of various chronic diseases.
Take Care Of Yourself
Explain Your Point Of View & How Certain Comments Hurts
be patient
learn to love yourself.