People with excess weight or obesity are vulnerable to discrimination in workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and within interpersonal relationships. Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity, the incidences of weight discrimination get higher every day.
Among women, weight discrimination is more common than racial discrimination; according to ResearchTrusted Source, people of higher weights are less likely to receive promotions and bonuses at work, and women in particular earn less than those of moderate weight.
Although anyone can be bullied for just about anything, weight attracts more attention. Weight-related attitudes toward an individual often manifest through negative stereotypes (“lazy”, “lacking in willpower”), social rejection, verbal harassment, and relational victimization (social exclusion, being ignored, avoided, or the target of rumors), resulting that people with negative body images struggle with depression, and may even engage in self-harming behaviors.
