Fat-shaming or stigmatization of obesity. Literature review

Abstract

The literature review is devoted to stigmatization — the imposition of social labels. A person with excess body weight is considered by most people to be weak, lazy, spiritless, unsuccessful. In recent years, the topic of stigmatization of obesity began to be studied not only in society, but also in medical institutions. People suffering from obesity feel judged, rejected by others on the street, in public transport, in educational institutions, at work, in the store. More importantly, overweight patients feel disadvantaged and often even judged by their doctors. At the same time, doctors usually do not realize the stigmatization of obesity, the relevance of this topic and the importance of discussing it with the patient. As a result, the patient cancels consultations and even interrupts treatment. Ultimately, all this contributes to an increase in body weight and increases the likelihood of the appearance of new obesity‑related diseases and even the emergence of critical psychological conditions. Despite the fact that the problem of obesity has been known since ancient times, only in the last few years it has been recognized as a chronic and continuously relapsing disease. And later came an understanding of the need to eradicate stigma and discrimination of people because of their weight. Stigma in translation means a stigma with which we often «award» patients with various diseases: such as a hypertensive diabetic. Patients with comorbid pathology against the background of obesity become even more vulnerable and sensitive not only to the words of the medical staff, but also to the people around them. Stigmatization of obesity is stressful for all patients, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, failure, and fear. Fear is accompanied by the release of cortisol, and one way to overcome fear or stress is to use food as a distraction. Thus, a vicious circle is formed: stigma‑stress‑increased cortisol level‑eating more food‑gaining weight‑obesity‑stigmatization of obesity.