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Misty Morin
Malcolm Campbell
UWRT 1203
10 November 2015

The Bigger Problem: Stigma and Shame Regarding Body Image

A large part of culture is the formation of beauty standards. The United States is very
obviously immersed in this aspect of society. From examining modern media to simply
observing ones surroundings while walking down the street, the prevalence of a preferred way
of existing is plain to see. Individuals use these standards in order to judge themselves and
evaluate where they stand relative to the rest of the population. They are also used to judge other
members of society and further enforce walls between people, like the socio-economic class
barrier. One specific standard related to body image is weight.
Obesity and being overweight have a tremendous impact on the daily lives of those that
do not meet the thin standards. Not only do these individuals have to deal with the numerous
health risks that stem from being unhealthily large, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and
hypertension, but the social repercussions that come from breaking the status quo (Kopelman).
So why is it that we as a society look down on those that happen to occupy a larger area of space
than our idealistic human being should? What could we possibly gain by allowing people to
believe that their weight determines their worth? In a world that seems to only cater to the thin,
what causes the stigmatization of an entire group of people?
In order to better understand the concept of stigma towards the physically bigger
population it is crucial to recognize that its impact goes far beyond simply lowering the self-

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esteem of the obese. Fatphobia limits the quality of life in overweight people. Fat people receive
unfair treatment everywhere from the courtroom to the doctors office. Research by Yale
University concluded that Fifty percent of doctors found that fat patients were awkward, ugly,
weak-willed and unlikely to comply with treatment and 24 percent of nurses said they were
repulsed by their obese patients (Neporent). There is no way that these individuals are
receiving the best care available if their providers are unable to see past their weight. They are
shamed by society to the point that unnecessary hatred forces them to live differently than they
would if they were not affected by this condition.
Body image is defined by Greene as this: The picture we have in our minds of the size,
shape, and form of our bodies: and to our feelings concerning these characteristics and our
constituent body parts (60). It is important to understand that our feelings, as this definition
suggests, play a key role in determining how we as individuals feel about ourselves. If an
individual develops poor body image, and then sees how society discriminates and stigmatizes
their condition, it only further encourages the idea that the way their body exists is somehow less
valid than another, smaller body. Psychologically, this type of thinking is severely damaging and
can lead to harmful behaviors.
The beginnings of a stigma towards fatness comes from a shift in the American lifestyle.
As food became more readily available and survival of the fittest proved to be no longer
necessary having a fat body could no longer be seen as a symbol of power and wealth. Instead
themes of gluttony, laziness, and greed became associated with those that had previously been
considered hard-working and successful. Studying history tells us that these ideals came about
long before any health concerns arose which suggests that the motivating factor in fat shaming
is not the all too innocent claims of being concerned for the health of the American population as

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a whole. (Farrell 4.). Typically when the only excuse for disliking a group of people is pure
opinion it is labeled as a prejudice. Unfortunately, in the case of fat shaming, many people
believe the bias is reasonable because fatness is something people choose. In some cases this is
true, while in others weight is affected by a number of factors that cannot be changed, like
genetics or diseases that are known to have obesity as a symptom, such as Cushings (Ross).
Regardless of whether the choice is personal or caused by factors outside of an individuals
control, they should have the right to live without being limited in their experiences by the
prejudice of others.

Dieting fads have become increasingly popular in the United States. It is no surprise that
a 60 billion dollar industry could be so prominent within society (Farrell 14). With messages in
modern media constantly replaying themes of getting rid of bad fat, and looking good for
bikini season, having negative views of the condition of fatness is expected. The goal of this
massive corporation entity is not to encourage viewers to seek health, but rather to simply
become thin and to become what is expected of each member of society. These messages are
allowed to continue because the American people are allowing them to rule their lives. A
constant battle is waged on the concept of fatness. Many become so caught up in ensuring
skinniness that common decency becomes forgotten. It then shifts from a war on skinninessbattle
for skinniness to a war on fat, and in relation, fat people. This is just one reason as to why fatness
is stigmatized.
Fashion and the way Americans dress is an integral part of society. Unfortunately this is
just one more aspect of culture that further excludes plus sized individuals. Sixty-seven percent
of the clothing consumers fall under this title, but this number does not worry large retailers like

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Abercrombie & Fitch, who would prefer for these customers to avoid their stores entirely (Lutz).
Official statements released from the company puts emphasis on the fact that only the cool and
popular kids are welcome in the retail chain. Womens sizes past a large are not offered in any
physical locations. Mens sizes run up to a 2X, but this is most likely to cater to beefy sports
players rather than chubby teenagers. When a larger shopper is unable to find clothing made for
their bodies, it sends two messages: that they are larger than what is considered normal and that
how they are is not welcomed or tolerated. Receiving this message is very damaging because a
large part of self-esteem revolves around being validated and accepted.
One part of the process of developing body image is referred to as body checking
behaviors (Greene 65). These can range from being weighed on a scale to trying on clothing.
Simply put, humans partake in these habits in order to receive feedback and recognition of their
physical body relative to their environment. This also includes getting comments from peers in
order to better understand the concept of where they stand in relation to others. Fat-talk, a
common phenomenon, especially among young girls, explains the influence peers have in body
image and eating behaviors (Gapinski 378). When one person says to another, Im so fat, it
causes the listener to assess two things: the type of emotion and understanding behind these
words, and how the listeners own body type compares to that of the speakers. Since the
meaning behind these words is almost always negative because of cultural norms in todays
society, the idea that fat itself is truly a negative concept is further reinforced by the speakers
words. The listener then judges his or her body to be more or less fat than the speakers.
Depending on the outcome of this assessment, it could lead to positive or negative emotions.
Either way, this body-checking tool is not a very healthy one because it encourages the negative
connotation associated with the word fat, and also causes individuals to determine their sense of

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self based on the body types of others. When a larger shopper is unable to find clothing made for
their bodies it sends two messages: that they are larger than what is considered normal and that
how they are is not welcomed or tolerated. Receiving this message is very damaging because a
large part of self-esteem revolves around being validated and accepted.
Typically countries that experience high rates of income experience a physically larger
upper class. Contrary to this proven research, the majority of Americas overweight population
belongs to the lower economic class (Levine). Areas affected by poverty often are not given
access to affordable and fresh healthy alternatives. Even though Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Programs are available and widely used in poverty-stricken areas, the availability of
healthier options and the unrealistic price of organic products severely limit those who only have
a small budget to begin with. Classism has been a long-lasting prejudice in American society and
the way it correlates with the obesity stigma is not surprising. Overweight individuals are far
more likely to be payed less, receive poorer performance reviews in the workplace, and even the
risk of being terminated grows. Workplace discrimination is a very serious offense and should itit
should not be allowed to continue. When job performance is poor due to the discrimination by
employers the possibility of being fired increases. The loss of a job, particularly in a household
already affected by poverty, becomes the difference between barely getting by, and
struggling to survive. America currently has no laws in effect regarding obesity specific
discrimination. If this cycle of poverty and issues in the workforce continue fat people will
continue to be oppressed and stigmatized. As Farrell states in her book:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, physicians, politicians, and academics used
body size as one important marker along with gender, race, ethnicity, and
sexuality to measure ones suitability for the privileges of power and full

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citizenship. These ideas about body size continue to have salience, as fat stigma
divides people into those who belong and those who dont, those who are praised
and those who are mocked, those who merit first-class treatment and those who are
expected to be second-class, inferior status. (5)
In other words, fat people are not meant to be successful in the society we have built today. This
must change. The American population is gaining weight at a fast rate. If a majority of
American citizens are classified as overweight, and it has been proven that larger people are less
successful, particularly in business endeavors, what does this mean for the future of our country?
It could very well contribute to the rising poverty rate, and in turn, begin and endless cycle of
poverty and weight-related issues (Griffin).
Exposure to media has become more prevalent than ever before. Constantly visualizing
the idealized thin body has been shown to lead to lower satisfaction in body image (Greene 64).
Comparing body type to others is another body-checking method. If all of the bodies seen on
television or in magazines are slim, a larger person attempting to determine a better sense of self
will only be able to conclude that the way they are is abnormal and wrong. This is why
representation in media is particularly important. Seeing an individual of the same build and
weight is validating and comforting to those who experience body image issues.
Objectification of the human body has certainly played a role in how Western society has
developed the concept of body image. Bodies of both men and women are literally used as a
marketing tool in order to sell products. What ideas does this give the average individual? The
main message that comes from this is that the human body exists to please others and that alone.
It is unacceptable to think of living breathing people as nothing more than something to put
clothes on.

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The importance of body acceptance cannot be understated. My peers are often labeled as
the selfie generation. I approve of this title wholeheartedly. For the first time ever, young
people are learning to healthily romanticize themselves and their bodies. Being able to feel
comfortable enough in ones appearance to take silly pictures and laugh at them with friends is a
monumental occasion and cause for celebration.
Truly, the negative effects of living in shame are endless. Ninety-eight percent of
individuals questioned in a particular survey have received verbal harassment about their weight
from the mouths of family and friends. Poor mental health, low self-esteem, and negative body
image are frequently reported by obese individuals. Fat people are more likely to belong to a
lower socio-economic class and to further decrease in class as time goes on (Myers). Obesity is a
physical stigma. Unlike other stigmatized conditions, like addiction or mental illness, which can
be hidden, fatness is plain to see, and therefore easy to cast judgementjudgment upon. One
specific detrimental effect of the psychological construct of body image is the part it plays in the
development of disordered eating. The link between anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphic
disorder, and body image cannot be ignored. Even substance abuse can be linked to poor body
image; smoking is sometimes known for suppressing appetite, which leads many to believe that
taking up the habit will help one to become thinner (Greene 61).
Being fat does not justify having to live with hateful and discriminatory behavior. There
is no excuse for the lack of preventative measures regarding prejudice towards overweight
people. It is unacceptable that a majority of Americas population should feel as if the world is
against them, but unfortunately in many cases it truly is. Body acceptance is vital in ending the
stigmatization of obesity. No matter what body type an individual has or what number the scale
shows every single person deserves to feel valid and beautiful in their skin. My generation may

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be the selfie generation, but hopefully our smiles will be genuine and as bright as our futures
filled with love for our bodies.

Works Cited
Farrell, Amy E. Fat Shame: Stigma and the Fat Body in American Culture. New York, NY: New
York University Press, 2011. Print.
Gapinski, Kathrine D, Kelly D. Brownell, and Marianne LaFrance. "Body Objectification
and Fat Talk: Effects on Emotion, Motivation, and Cognitive Performance Sex
Roles. 48 (2003): 9-10. Print.

Greene, Sophia B. Body Image: Perceptions, Interpretations and Attitudes. New York: Nova
Science Publishers, 2011. Print.
Griffin, Morgan R., Micheal W. Smith. Obesity Epidemic Astronomical. Web MD. Web
MD. Web. (n.d.) 18 October 2015.
Kopelman, P. "Health risks associated with overweight and obesity." Obesity review 8.1 (2007):
13-17. Wiley-Blackwell. Web. 7 Nov. 2015.
Levine, James A. "Poverty and Obesity in the US." Diabetes. American Diabetes Association.
2011. Web. 7 Nov. 2015.
Lutz, Ashley. "Abercrombie & Fitch Refuses To Make Clothes For Large Women." Business
Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 3 May 2013. Web. 7 Nov. 2015.

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Myers, A, and JC Rosen. Obesity stigmatization and coping: Relation to mental health
symptoms, body image, and self-esteem. International Journal of Obesity 23 (1999):
221-230. Stockton Press. Web. 7 Nov. 2015.
Neporent, Liz. "Stigma Against Fat People the Last Acceptable Prejudice, Studies Find." ABC
News. ABC News Network, January 22, 2013. Web. October 18, 2015.
Ross, E. J., and D. C. Linch. "Cushing's syndromekilling disease: discriminatory value of
signs and symptoms aiding early diagnosis." The Lancet. ScienceDirect. 1982. Web.
November 7, 2015.
Gapinski, Kathrine D, Kelly D. Brownell, and Marianne LaFrance. "Body Objectification and
Fat Talk: Effects on Emotion, Motivation, and Cognitive Performance Sex Roles. 48
(2003): 9-10. Print.

Still to be added:
Fat speak and the power of words
The obesity epidemic and how it contributes to the stigmatization
Expanding on objectification and media