Psychosocial aspects of obesity: Individual and societal perspectives

Lauren Lissner

doi:10.3402/fnr.v41i0.1754

Abstract

This review article describes psychosocial causes and consequences of obesity in societies and at the individual level, highlighting aspects of the problem that are frequently overlooked in nutritional and medical research. The socio-economic gradient in obesity in modern society is well-documented, while the origins of this gradient are difficult to explain. Specifically, it is currently not well understood which aspects of the less advantaged socio-economic environment cause obesity. There is, however, strong evidence that the condition of obesity creates a situation of downward social mobility, possibly resulting in a positive feedback cycle. Regarding obesity's psychological origins and consequences, similar conclusions have been drawn: psychological characteristics associated with the obese state are more likely to be consequences than causes, again as a result of the negative attitudes of society towards obesity. In this context, it is interesting to note that perceptions of ideal body shape have become leaner in recent decades (particularly in women), at the same time that the prevalence of obesity is increasing. The fact that dietary and physical characteristics of the modem macroenvironment are making it increasingly difficult to avoid becoming overweight, despite the high societal value placed on being underweight, represents an intriguing contradiction of modern times.

Highlights

In today's society, leanness is often equated with beauty, success, fitness, and self-control
It may be noted that the percent of Metropolitan Life Insurance (MLI) standard among Miss Americas in the 1980's is not far from the clinical cut-off point of 85% of ideal body weight, which is often used in screening for anorexia nervosa
Certain social circumstances might be predisposing development of weight problems, while obesity definitely appears to create conditions leading to psychosocial disturbances

Summary

Introduction

In today's society, leanness is often equated with beauty, success, fitness, and self-control. In one U.S population study in which adolescents and young adults were initially classified as overweight or not, it was found 7 years later that the overweight group was less likely to have married, had completed fewer years of education, and was more likely to have an income that is below the official poverty line [6] This prospective finding was independent of initial socio-economic status, suggesting that obesity creates a situation of downward social mobility and confirming that this occurs to a greater extent in women than in men (Table 1). Specificmechanisms for this may be seen in the areas of marital, employment, and educational opportunities, and more examples will be discussed below If obesity has both social causes and effects, a self-perpetuating cycle may be created that reinforces the relationship between low socio-economic status and obesity

Psychological aspects

Environment vs body ideal

Findings

Conclusions and implications