Men with weight stigma may have dangerous consequences

WWomen's bodies are imprisoned by cultural rhetoric. They are continually objectified and supposed to espouse certain ideals, but at the same time they are at the center of a conversation between scientists, cultural critics and ordinary citizens, increasingly aware of the dangers of the judgment of beauty. Men and their bodies, meanwhile, receive less attention. But a study published Wednesday in Obesity suggests that the weather has changed.

Although the feelings of men on their bodies are ignored and little studied, it does not mean that there is nothing dangerous. As the new study by the University of Connecticut's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity shows, male stigma sufferers can have serious health consequences – and many are already suffering the consequences.

Weight stigma, as defined by the National Eating Disorders Association, is a discrimination or stereotype based on a person's weight. In the new study, a team led by Mary Himmelstein, a postdoctoral doctoral student, asked 1,753 American men to self-report their height, weight, demographics, and degree of weight stigma. They were also asked if this stigma was something that they internalized (did they blame themselves?) Or something that had been criticized by others.

Men also shared details about their health behaviors, such as the frequency of their diets, as well as their psychological well-being.

Overall, 40% of participants reported experiencing weight-related stigma. Men who internalized weight stigma had worse self-rated health than others, and all had an increased risk of excessive food consumption.

In addition, men who experienced and stigmatized internalized weight were the group most badociated with more depressive symptoms and dietary behaviors.

"Weight stigma is not a gender issue," says Himmelstein. "It can affect men's health in the same way that we already know it affects women's health, and neglecting men's problems, whether in research or clinical practice, can put them at a serious disadvantage. treatment."

Previous studies have shown that the high rate of body dissatisfaction among men is motivated by the portrayal of men in the media and popular culture. A recent badysis shows that media images of men are more muscular and thin than ever. Dissatisfaction emerges from the discordance between the real body and the "ideal" physical. This dissatisfaction can lead to eating disorders, depression and increased risk of using performance enhancing substances.

And dissatisfaction with the body starts young: A 2014 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that, of a group of 5,527 men aged 12 to 18, 18% were very concerned about their weight and physique.

Himmelstein says there is a need for further research on how men deal with weight stigma, especially if these coping reactions involve behaviors such as binge eating. She also advises health professionals to pay more attention to the men they care for: it is not uncommon for men to be asked about their weight. This must change so that experts can identify people who need help and interventions can be done before it's too late.

Partial summary:

Purpose: Many books suggest that weight stigma harms health. Data on gender differences in stigma weighting were mixed, but weight stigma studies in men were largely absent from the literature.

Results: Regression badyzes showed that, regardless of race, socio-economic status and BMI, weight stigma and weight internalization of weight in men was badociated with poor health. including increased depressive symptoms, increased diet, poorer self-reported health, and increased likelihood of binge eating. Neither weight nor internalized nor perceived stigma has been systematically badociated with physical activity, smoking, alcohol or difficulty sleeping.