Study probes why slim people dislike fat ones
The next time a skinny person gives you a hard time, it maybe biologically based, not just bias, according to a new study.
Research reported in Evolution and Human Behavior found that some people suffer abuse because being too fat is mistaken by the brain for a sign of disease, according to a story in The Independent.
The team say the immune system can be triggered into action at the sight of obesity because it doesn't like the look of what it sees, and associates it with infection.
"Antipathy toward obese people is a powerful and pervasive prejudice in many contemporary populations. Our results reveal, for the first time, that this prejudice may be rooted in multiple, independent mechanisms. They provide the first evidence that obesity serves as a cue for pathogen infection,'' say the University of British Columbia researchers.
The report has sparked new debate on fat discrimination. Check out the fiery discussion on AOL's That's Fit blog.
I am definitely feeling conflicted about the study. On the one hand, there may be some truth to it. But on the other, I don't want to see bias against the larger among us to be excused.
So what do you think? Do you buy the study's findings?
-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com
Comments
You said: "Antipathy toward obese people is a powerful and pervasive prejudice."
I'll say! But this very antipathy forced me to go inside myself since the prejudice outside - my family and friends AND strangers - was too ugly and painful to consider. And I can tell you this, each and every fat one of you, your within is far more beautiful than you could ever imagine. In fact, it is that very beauty that will carry you into your own self-understanding -- if you'll let it.
Pat Matson
The Wise Weight Woman
www.theworldofwithin.com
Posted by: Pat Matson | August 6, 2007 11:36 PM
This report is both intriguing and disturbing.
It's intriguing as a look at how the thin people of the world view those of us who struggle with their weight.
It's disturbing because of the bias this creates against someone who is overweight.
It's a hard row to hoe. You don't want to excuse people who deliberately make bad choices. On the other hand, what about all those overweight people who are taking control of their lives and losing the excess weight?
We're treated just as if we were still making bad choices.
Posted by: Gail | August 7, 2007 10:34 AM