Obesity and Societal Double Standards: Can We Really Talk About It?

Aug. 10, 2012

What Are the Double Standards Regarding Obesity in Society?

When it comes to obesity and societal double standards, there is a noticeable disparity in how different groups are treated. For example, overweight men often face less criticism compared to women, who are frequently judged more harshly for their body size. Women, particularly as they age, may encounter negative comments for not conforming to society’s beauty standards, while men in similar situations are not scrutinized as heavily.

Moreover, wealthy individuals are often able to access expensive weight-loss treatments and are praised for their health efforts. At the same time, those with fewer financial resources are criticized or ignored, even though they face more significant barriers to healthy living. These societal double standards contribute to inequality in how we address obesity, reinforcing stereotypes and making it harder to have open, productive conversations about health and body weight.

The Growing Issue of Obesity

And then of course, there's food and our health. If you're a healthy person, that most likely means you're at—or close to—an ideal body weight. There's nothing abnormal about that fact, except that nearly 2/3 of our nation's adults are now overweight or clinically obese. Not only have we normalized this by increasing clothing sizes or making public transportation roomier, but we also have turned the tables a bit.

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Efforts to Address Obesity

Certainly there are campaigns underway to address obesity—from Michelle Obama's efforts to Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has also made his concern well known with racy billboard ads about the effects of type II diabetes, and his proposed soda ban. Even fast-food chains have feigned concern by offering "healthier" menu items. School lunch programs have made major strides in providing our nation's students with more nutritious food.

The Social Dynamics of Being Thin

If you're thin (as in, normal weight, not underweight due to illness, etc.) you've probably heard this at least a dozen times: "Oh my gosh, you're so skinny!" It can feel almost like there's something wrong with you for not putting on the pounds. It's an awkward moment. But try to turn the tables: "Oh my gosh, you've gained a lot of weight!" And, well, hopefully you have another ride home from the party.
Perhaps you've experienced the uncomfortable situation of dining with family or friends who have a different relationship with food.

You're stuck with the house salad and water while they gorge on ribs, Buffalo wings, and Mountain Dew. You'll most likely have to let the jabs and rabbit food comments seem like they don't hurt; but try talking about the saturated fats in deep-fried foods or the genetically modified grains fed to the pigs now slathered in barbecue sauce. Uh-oh.

Is It Our Responsibility to Address Obesity?

Is it the responsibility of healthy people to talk to those who aren't about their health? If you witnessed a car accident right in front of you, most likely you'd pull over and help, or at least, call the paramedics. You'd take care of a loved one bleeding, or battling the flu or cancer. So why can't we talk honestly about obesity to the people we see being victimized by the corporate food industry?

The Challenge of Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle

We all have the right to live the way we want to live. But is choosing an unhealthy lifestyle really a genuine desire? Yes, we make decisions for ourselves, but these foods that are bad for us have become increasingly unhealthier over the years; the ads that lure us to them, more clever; the options more numerous and ubiquitous; and the desire for more of them, often insatiable.

The Complex Causes of Obesity

Many factors play a role in our health, and some we wouldn't even think of could be the cause of obesity—from pesticide exposure to genetic disorders. Sometimes all we can do is care for those struggling. Sometimes we can help them heal and change their habits.

How Do Social Perceptions of Weight Affect Mental Health?

The societal pressures surrounding body weight have a significant impact on mental health, whether someone is overweight or thin. People with obesity often face judgment, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and a negative self-image. On the other hand, individuals at a healthy weight or who are thin are often met with unsolicited comments about their appearance, contributing to social discomfort. Obesity and societal double standards play a key role in shaping these perceptions, which can deeply affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being.

What Are the Societal Pressures Surrounding Body Weight?

Society places immense pressure on individuals regarding their body weight. Whether through media portrayals of the “ideal” body or societal expectations of beauty, both men and women feel the pressure to conform to these standards. The society and obesity conversation often overlooks the complexity of these pressures, further complicating people’s relationship with food and health.

What Are the Challenges Faced by Individuals Trying to Lose Weight in Today's Society?

For individuals trying to lose weight, today’s society presents numerous challenges. Unhealthy food options are widely available and heavily marketed, making it difficult to make better choices. Social settings can also be a challenge, where people who opt for healthier meals might face criticism or be made to feel like outsiders. These obesity and societal double standards often make it harder for individuals to achieve their health goals.

How Does the Normalization of Obesity Affect Public Health Initiatives?

The normalization of obesity has shifted public perceptions, which can undermine efforts to combat the issue. While it’s important to promote body positivity, normalizing obesity to the point where it’s no longer viewed as a health risk has serious implications for public health initiatives. When larger body sizes become accepted as the new normal, it becomes more difficult to implement effective strategies to address the health risks associated with obesity. The health impacts of obesity and societal double standards need to be part of the broader public health conversation.