Obesity 'epidemic' may be overstated


HOUSTON, Mar 17, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A University of Houston sociologist
says the obesity "epidemic" may be overstated and more of a moral panic.

Assistant sociology professor Samantha Kwan says the term obesity -- constructed
by the medical community and the use of Body Mass Index as the main factor to
define obesity -- has resulted in the media greatly overstating the rise of the
condition.

"This epidemic has been constructed to the benefit of the medical industry that
has in part medicalized the treatment of obesity over the years," Kwan says in a
statement.

"While there may be a rise in 'obesity,' the BMI is not always accurate. Some
scholars describe this epidemic more as a moral panic. While there may be some
truths to rising rates, they have been overstated."

Fat does not, in itself, signify unhealthy and unattractive, these are cultural
constructions and society decides what it means to be fat, and right now
cultural discourses say it's ugly and unhealthy to be fat, Kwan says.

"It's also assumed that the body is a reflection of the psyche, including one's
moral fiber," she adds.

Research shows that promotions and wages are based partly on the way women look,
including their weight.

"Women are preoccupied with losing weight; yet conforming to norms can bring
benefits beyond being healthier," Kwan says. "You can avoid a lot of the stigma,
and we know women are stigmatized for being overweight."

Kwan's findings are published in the journal Sociological Inquiry and Sociology
Compass.



URL: www.upi.com


Copyright 2009 by United Press International

Disclaimer: References or links to other sites from Wellness.com does not constitute recommendation or endorsement by Wellness.com. We bear no responsibility for the content of websites other than Wellness.com.
Community Comments
Be the first to comment.