Vidhi Dave
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Obesity and Social Stigma
Obesity has far-reaching health consequences around the world, with actual and long-term consequences for communities, governments, and, most importantly, individuals, now and in the future.
Obesity causes or is associated with a wide range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, gallstones, kidney stones, infertility, and as many as 11 types of cancer, including leukemia, breast, and colon cancer. Obesity has actual social and emotional consequences, such as discrimination, lower income, lower quality of life, and a higher risk of depression.
What is social stigma?
The negative attitudes, beliefs, and prejudices that society holds against individuals or groups because of specific features or conditions are referred to as social stigma. Obesity stereotypes frequently focus around laziness, a lack of willpower, and poor self-control. It is critical to note that these biases are deeply rooted in our culture and are frequently reinforced by media, cultural conventions, and even healthcare professionals.
Impact of social stigma
Individuals who are obese face serious consequences as a result of obesity stigma. These implications go beyond unpleasant words and social rejection. They can have an effect on one’s mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Obesity stigma increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
According to society’s point of view beauty lies in being slim. Due to which obese try to avoid any social outings. Furthermore, they may avoid obtaining medical care out of fear of discrimination, resulting in delayed identification and treatment of obesity-related health issues.
Due to obesity, teenagers or adults have faced a lot of issues related to career. Some obese students are sometimes not eligible for foreign visas which can ruin the dreams of many students who want to study abroad.
Some people have this misconception that obesity is exclusively the product of poor lifestyle choices such as overeating and laziness. Obesity is a complicated disease that is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral variables
How to tackle obesity stigma ?
To tackle obesity stigma, we must first acknowledge its presence and comprehend its negative consequences. Obesity education and awareness efforts can help eliminate myths and misconceptions by highlighting the complexity of the disease. It is critical to promote an open and judgment-free discourse regarding obesity.
Obesity is a medical problem and should be treated like one. Understanding and concern for obese people are essential for decreasing stigma. This is attentively listening to their stories, understanding their difficulties, and not making assumptions. We can build a more inclusive and compassionate society by developing understanding and support.
By taking this social stigma, in a positive way and can decide to overcome this disease called OBESITY.
But How ?
By taking a step towards bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgery which helps to lose weight. Bariatric surgery is the only line of treatment for people who are obese or who have a BMI more than 30.
Based on the patient’s BMI, medical history, diet history and by performing some tests, a bariatric surgeon will choose which procedure is ideal for each individual patient.
Apart from weight loss, bariatric surgery has a number of other advantages. Considering medical history, any pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or joint difficulties. Certain bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, have shown better results for people with specific medical issues.
Bariatric Surgery not only helps you to lose weight but gain confidence and improve their overall well being over the period of time. Also due to bariatric surgery, many patients have improved mental health and reduced anxiety and depression symptoms post bariatric surgery.
People who once felt restricted by their weight can now seek new employment options, participate in social activities, and cultivate healthier relationships. This enhanced confidence can lead to a more fulfilled and rewarding existence in general.
Also when people lose weight, they begin noticing themselves in distinct ways. Instead of being a source of insecurity, the reflection in the mirror now becomes a source of pride. A transition from obese to a healthy weight results in a change in self-image. Patients no longer feel burdened by their extra weight, but rather have a restored sense of self-worth.
Conclusion:
So now obesity is a global epidemic that affects everyone in some way. And this knowledge should serve as a wake-up call, because there is some good news among the bad: obesity is preventable. We can reverse the tendencies that contributed to the current epidemic by changing governmental policies and practices such that healthy eating and physical activity are easy choices for everyone.
Bariatric surgery is about more than just losing weight; it’s about receiving a new lease on life, a new confidence, and a brighter future. It enables people to take charge of their health and implement a more positive self-image, leading to a better and more satisfying existence.
The physical and emotional improvements that patients go through are accompanied by an increase in self-confidence. People restore their sense of self-worth and purpose when they recover control of their health and bodies.
Aastha Bariatrics is the center of excellence. Center of Excellence in Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery certification is awarded to a facility and its associated surgeons who have successfully completed the designation process of delivering high quality pre operative and long term follow-up care.
