Addressing Obesity Without Stigmatizing Those Who Struggle

Feeling stigmatized is an attitude of mind. When an individual is informed of the health risks associated with their excessive diet and lack of physical activity, they have a choice. They can choose to take this information seriously and follow medical or health professional advice to improve their situation, or they may become resentful and blame others for their condition, which in reality, doesn't exist.

Being obese or overweight is not a reflection of one's character. It doesn't make you a bad or immoral person, nor does it make you a serial killer or child abuser. It is a symptom of a lifestyle that may require alteration. Taking steps to improve one's health, weight, and lifestyle is the proactive approach.

The Impact of Stigmatization

Stigmatizing a person for any reason is wrong. Fat shaming a person can have serious repercussions. It can lead to emotional eating, a real issue often seen in individuals who suffer from stigma and shame. Imagine encountering a woman who appears morbidly obese and verbally abusing her or shaming her because you believe she deserves it. However, this woman may have Lipoedema, a condition where the body accumulates fat around the legs and other parts of the body, not because of what she eats but due to a medical condition. Such stigma can exacerbate the problem, making it harder for individuals to seek help and support.

Examples of Treatments Without Stigmatization

Consider the following examples of medical conditions:

My sister has Multiple Sclerosis. We can treat her without stigmatizing her for having MS.

My dad has Pulmonary Fibrosis. We can treat his Pulmonary Fibrosis without stigmatizing him for having it.

My uncle has Type II Diabetes. We can treat his diabetes without stigmatizing him for having it.

Each of these conditions requires compassionate care and understanding. The same principle should apply to obesity. Why should obesity be impossible to address without associated stigma?

Societal and Individual Roles

There are two fundamental questions here, and they are indeed very different:

What should society do?

What should individuals do when they encounter someone struggling with obesity?

Firstly, let's consider society. Does society exist, and if so, what is its purpose?

We live in a capitalist society where the primary goal is growth, not health, often at the expense of health. If this were to change, with health becoming a top priority, it could significantly impact how we address obesity. However, this shift is unlikely to occur in the near future.

Secondly, when an individual sees another person struggling with obesity, what action should they take?

Instead of judgment, individuals should consider the underlying causes. The primary cause often lies not in the individual but in the societal environment. Our society actively encourages excessive consumption, growth, and wealth, putting these values above health. When we judge individuals for being obese, we ignore the real issues and arguments. Solving an individual's obesity problem requires personal attention rather than judgment or assuming we know the cause or cure.

Addressing Societal Obesity

To tackle societal obesity, we need to focus on addressing the fundamental causes rather than blaming individuals:

Health Education - Promote healthy lifestyle choices and provide support to those who need it.

Policy Changes - Advocate for policies that promote health over wealth, such as better nutrition labels, increased funding for public health campaigns, and more accessible recreational facilities.

Economic Incentives - Encourage businesses to prioritize employee health by offering wellness programs and incentives for living healthier lifestyles.

The key to reducing obesity without stigmatizing those who struggle is to shift the focus from judgment to support. By providing education, improving policies, and encouraging healthy behaviors, we can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthier life.