Social Consequences of Obesity

Puhl, Rebecca M.; Henderson, Kathryn E.; Brownell, Kelly D.

doi:10.1002/9780470987087.ch3

Cited by 26 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 157 publications

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“…However, studies conducted to date are not conclusive, because some works support the so-called "Jolly Fat" hypothesis (Crisp et al 1980). This meta-analysis has found that only women suffer less mental health than normal weight individuals, however this effect is low, which means that there may be other variables related with the psychological distress in obese female that explain this result (see for example, Puhl et al 2010). In the case of men, it has been shown that class I obese individuals may have better mental health compared with people with normal BMIs, which gives support to the idea that obesity may work as a protective factor against psychological distress (Crisp and McGuiness 1976), and even physical health (Dorner and Rieder 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

Mental Health and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis

Magallares

Pais-Ribeiro

2013

Applied Research Quality Life

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The relationship between obesity and psychological distress is not clear because research conducted so far is not conclusive, with some studies finding that obese people report less mental health than normal-weight individuals, whilst others find that obesity may work as a protective factor that prevents people with weight problems from developing mental health issues. In this meta-analysis we review research that compares the mental health (measured with SF-36) of class I obese people (Body Mass Index between 30 and 34.99) with normal weight people (Body Mass Index between 18 and 24.99) in non-clinical adult populations. The metaanalysis conducted assumed a random-effects model and a weighted mean effect size was calculated (d), together with its statistical significance and confidence interval. Results reveal that obese women report less mental health than normal weight females (d=−.26) but that obese men show more mental health than normal weight individuals (d=.62). The results give support to the so-called "Jolly Fat" hypothesis.Keywords Obesity . Mental health . SF-36 . "Jolly Fat" hypothesisThe association between obesity in adults and mental health has been an issue of controversy for decades and the nature of the relationship between excessive weight and psychological distress continues to be debated by researchers and clinicians alike.Applied Research Quality Life

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

Mental Health and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis

Magallares

Pais-Ribeiro

2013

Applied Research Quality Life

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“…Preferences for thinness in high-income nations show in the stigma and bias faced by the obese, particularly those of lower SES (Bourdieu, 1984; Puhl, Heuer, & Brownell, 2010). However, excess weight in poorer countries symbolizes high status, and among men, large size can indicate power and physical prowess (McLaren, 2007).…”

Section: Explanations Of the Reversalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Obesity, SES, and economic development: A test of the reversal hypothesis

Pampel¹,

Denney

Krueger

2012

Social Science & Medicine

191

161

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Studies of individual countries suggest that socioeconomic status (SES) and weight are positively associated in lower-income countries but negatively associated in higher-income countries. However, this reversal in the direction of the SES-weight relationship and arguments about the underlying causes of the reversal need to be tested with comparable data for a large and diverse set of nations. This study systematically tests the reversal hypothesis using individual- and aggregate-level data for 67 nations representing all regions of the world. In support of the hypothesis, we find not only that the body mass index, being overweight, and being obese rise with national product but also that the associations of SES with these outcomes shift from positive to negative. These findings fit arguments about how health-related, SES-based resources, costs, and values differ across levels of economic development. Although economic and social development can improve health, it can also lead to increasing obesity and widening SES disparities in obesity.

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“…Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans with PTSD may have low perceived social support due to mental health stigma (Pietrzak et al, 2009), PTSD symptoms (i.e., irritability, avoidance, detachment; Kotler et al, 2001; King et al, 2006), and post-deployment reintegration problems (Khaylis et al, 2011). Further, individuals who are obese may also struggle with low social support due to stigma related to obesity (Puhl et al, 2010) as well as perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness (Dutton et al, 2013). Thus, Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans who suffer from both PTSD and obesity may perceive particularly low levels of social support related to both conditions (Dutton et al, 2013; Tsai et al, 2012), which may compound, thus increasing the risk for suicide.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Further, higher BMI can increase feelings of burdensomeness (Dutton et al, 2013), which in turn can increase suicidal ideation (Dutton et al, 2013; Van Orden et al, 2010). Those who are obese often face discrimination and stigma in their daily lives, even from medical professionals and close family and friends (Puhl et al, 2010). Research on other stigmatized groups (e.g., sexual or racial minorities) indicates that exposure to prejudice about one’s group is associated with higher risk of suicidal ideation and attempts (Fergusson et al, 1999; Hatzenbuhler et al, 2014; Perry et al, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does body mass index moderate the association between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and suicidal ideation in Iraq/Afghanistan veterans?

Kittel

DeBeer

Kimbrel

et al. 2016

Psychiatry Research

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Suicide, PTSD, and obesity co-occur at high rates among returning veterans, yet limited research exists regarding the relationship among these variables. Self-report and diagnostic interview data from a longitudinal study of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (N = 130) enrolled in VA healthcare examined these inter-relations. As hypothesized, body mass index (BMI) significantly moderated the association between PTSD and suicidal ideation such that the association between PTSD and suicidal ideation was strongest among individuals with a high BMI. Programs that focus on health promotion, trauma treatment, and weight management should continue to monitor suicide risk.

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Social Consequences of Obesity

Cited by 26 publications

References 157 publications

Mental Health and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis

Mental Health and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis

Obesity, SES, and economic development: A test of the reversal hypothesis

Does body mass index moderate the association between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and suicidal ideation in Iraq/Afghanistan veterans?

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