Extra weight, especially obesity, has become a global public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975.

In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight and 650 million were obese.

Definition of Extra Weight and Obesity

Extra weight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more, while obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or more. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by their height squared (kg/m2).

It is a useful tool for assessing the health risk associated with extra weight, but it is not perfect. For instance, it does not take into account the distribution of fat in the body, which is an important factor for health risk.

The Health Risks of Extra Weight

Extra weight, especially obesity, increases the risk of many chronic diseases and conditions, including:.

Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Stroke
Cancer (such as breast, colon, and prostate)
Joint problems (such as osteoarthritis)
Infertility
Sleep apnea and other breathing problems
Liver disease

The Silent Threat of Extra Weight

While the health risks of extra weight are widely recognized, there is another danger that is less obvious but equally important: the psychological and social impact of weight stigma and discrimination.

Weight stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards people who are overweight or obese. It can manifest in many forms, such as teasing, bullying, social exclusion, and discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare. Weight stigma can cause significant harm to individuals and communities, independent of their weight status.

The Consequences of Weight Stigma

Weight stigma can have profound and lasting effects on physical and mental health, including:.

Elevated levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol
Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems
Disordered eating behaviors, such as binge eating and purging
Reduced physical activity and healthy eating behaviors
Worsened health outcomes and reduced quality of life

The Origins of Weight Stigma

Weight stigma is deeply ingrained in our culture and society. It is fueled by many factors, including:.

The false belief that weight is solely a matter of personal responsibility and willpower
The commercialization of weight loss and dieting industries, which profit from the promotion of thinness and dieting
The media’s portrayal of thinness as the ideal body type and the demonization of larger bodies
The medicalization of weight, which defines obesity as a disease rather than a complex and multifactorial issue

How to Address Weight Stigma

To address weight stigma and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for people of all sizes, we need to take collective action on several fronts:.

Advocate for policies and laws that protect people from weight-based discrimination in all areas of life
Challenge weight bias and stigma whenever and wherever we encounter it, whether in our personal or professional life
Promote the Health At Every Size (HAES) approach, which emphasizes healthy behaviors rather than weight loss or size as the primary goal of health
Encourage people of all sizes to engage in joyful movement and healthy eating behaviors that are sustainable and enjoyable, rather than restrictive and punishing
Provide evidence-based and compassionate care for people who seek help for their weight-related concerns, without perpetuating weight stigma or promoting harmful weight loss methods

Conclusion

The silent threat of extra weight is not just physical, but also psychological and social.

We need to recognize and address weight stigma and discrimination as a public health issue and work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people of all sizes. By doing so, we can promote a truly holistic and empowering approach to health and well-being, free from harmful and oppressive weight-based norms.