Obesity: Recent Developments: Workforce Problems

Obese people not only face increased health risks, but they also are often socially disadvantaged. Many obese and overweight Americans report job and other discrimination. The fashion and beauty industries present alarmingly thin models as the ideal body image for women, and in this context even a few extra pounds or inches of flesh are stigmatized. Moreover, society generally holds individuals responsible for their obesity and considers overweight individuals to be lacking in self-control or morally defective. Many overweight people buy into these beliefs, and their self-esteem suffers as a result.