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India Study: Weight Shame Deepens Mental Distress
16 Dec
Summary
- High internalised weight bias found in Indian bariatric surgery patients.
- Younger patients and higher BMI correlate with greater bias and anxiety.
- Weight stigma impacts mental health, social life, and treatment adherence.
A recent study in Mumbai highlights the extensive internalised weight bias affecting individuals with obesity who are candidates for metabolic and bariatric surgery. This bias, where individuals internalize negative stereotypes about their weight, leads to significant self-blame and shame. The research, published in Obesity Surgery, involved 142 patients, with 71.1% exhibiting high levels of this internalised bias.
Findings indicate that younger participants and those with higher BMIs reported increased anxiety and perceived judgment. Emotional distress was widespread, with a large majority experiencing depression related to their weight, impacting self-worth and social confidence. This internalised stigma, often beginning in childhood and exacerbated by societal and media pressures, can delay crucial medical treatment.
Experts emphasize that obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failing, and that emotional support is vital for successful treatment. Addressing weight bias early is crucial to help patients feel supported, improve adherence to medical advice, and ultimately enhance their quality of life and health outcomes.
