Obesity and stigma

ABSTRACT

Obesity is a serious medical condition and can cause premature death. Persons who are obese have a high chance of getting chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, and so on. Obesity rates have been rapidly increasing world-wide and health authorities have been drawing attention to the health consequences of this condition. However, what is often ignored is that obese persons frequently experience bias and discrimination solely based on their weight. This stigma that is attached to obesity has serious consequences for the personal, social well-being and emotional health of obese persons.