Social consequences of obesity
Tobias, A.L.; Gordon, J.B.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 76(4): 338-342
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 7391465 Document Number: 158650
The psychological aspects of obesity contribute to the complexity of losing weight; the stigma of being fat influences interpersonal relationships and molds the individuals self-image. Dieting instructions often assume that the dieter can control social environments; the more effective approach is to enlist aid of family and friends. Few people, doctors and dieticians included, can divorce themselves from accepted attitudes about fat people; this prevents recognition of other attributes. Formerly obese people often found it difficult to change their feelings; adjusting to a new life style can result in personal conflict, maybe even leading to gaining weight back as a retreat to a known environment.