Previously we used to discriminate between people by their country and color, but recently we have stared discriminating them based on their physique. Let’s be frank about this, many of us do not want to have obese friends, or date obese people unless we are obese. There are many surveys conducted on obesity discrimination, but not even one survey stood against obese discrimination.
Obesity Discrimination
Mainly the discrimination is done in schooling, nursing and employment
At School
- Kids are getting discriminated on the type of assignments they get
- Discrimination in the after-school activities.
Nursing
- Most of the doctors, in the beginning, push all the problems as the cause of obesity
- They tell all the cares to be taken to lose weight, but not for the problem we went for.
- Medications are given based on the obese condition.
Employment
This is the worst place where we can see discrimination of all kinds, now obesity is added to the list. It is hard to believe that obesity is playing a tough role in all the levels of employment
According to AOA (American Obesity Association), there are many evidences of discrimination at every stage in the employment circle that include placement, selection, work compensation, discipline, promotion and discharge
Other problems of obese people in the employment include:
- Being discriminated during important employment decisions
- They are frequently stereotyped as socially handicapped, emotionally impaired and possessing negative personality traits.
- In several surveys, it is found that obese white women are paid 6% less than there non-obese counterparts
Michigan state, the only exclusion, prohibits any employment discrimination based on weight
Overall, it can be said that the evidence of significant and consistent discrimination against the overweight employees is sobering.
How Obesity Discrimination Affects the Obese People Psychologically?
Internally, obese people suffer from low self esteem because of their physique. News of several health complications further weaken their spirits. Lack of genuine support leave them alone with their miserable state. Growing number of discrimination from people in society and also from the dear ones can be a death blow to their mentl state. This is one of the obvious reasons why depression is common among obese people.
There are 43 million obese or morbidly obese people in this country. Constant bullying and jokes on them experienced by these people dampen their spirit to fight against obesity. There are very little reasons left for them to remain happy. They start seeking pleasure in unhealthy food habits and life style activities likes eating junk foods in excess.
Obese people require confidants in their lives who can win their trust, give them hope and place before them ample choices to lead a healthy and happy life.
