Fat bias
Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation
Guys can pack on a lot more weight than women before they experience weight discrimination, says a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Researchers examined self-reported weight discrimination among adults ages 25 to 74. Women reported noticeable weight bias when they hit a body mass index (BMI) of 27, while men began to notice weight bias at a BMI of 35 or higher. A BMI of 27 applies to a five-foot, five-inch woman weighing 162 pounds, while a five-foot, nine-inch man weighing 237 pounds has a BMI of 35.
Now that is one significant difference in fat bias. I wonder what factors are at play here? Do overweight men wear their fat better than comparatively overweight women? I sure don't think so. The study was based on self-reports -- are men generally less sensitive or aware of weight discrimination? Is men's fashion better at hiding weight gain? Women are still bumping their heads against a glass ceiling in many professional arenas -- are they also ducking under a lower BMI ceiling of socially acceptable weights compared to men? Whatever the reasons, weight discrimination is simply wrong. What are your thoughts?
Recent Posts
- Heidi Klum Hits The Runway After Baby (11/20/2009)
- Thanksgiving Dinner Satisfaction And Perfect Portion Control: Time to Celebrate (11/20/2009)
- Cheesy Workout Video Round-up (11/20/2009)
- Kim Kardashian's Sexy Salad Commercial (11/20/2009)
- Simple Thanksgiving Swaps (11/20/2009)
























Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
barnett 4-15-2008 @ 9:47AM
I'm pretty much ok with weight discrimination whether it be against men or women.
Reply
the goddess anna 4-15-2008 @ 10:09AM
I'm pretty much okay with idiot discrimination on blogs.
Idiot.
Andrea 4-15-2008 @ 3:56PM
Yes, we're harder on fat women. I won't argue that it is fair, but I think it is less than black-and-white.
For one thing, a lot of men who have a very high BMI are guys who work hard labor jobs. Yes, they are overweight, but often much of their heft is in muscle form. Big guys with strong arms and backs and beer guts just don't come off as... lazy, to me anyway. Plus, BMI is really a worthless measurement for anyone with any significant muscle mass- it grossly overestimates how overweight they are. Think about the guys in "Strong Man" competitions- their BMIs are easily that high. I don't see one of them and think they are unfit.
As for women, this isn't really the case. Sure there are muscular women out there, but they are in the minority. I'd guess that the majority of women with a overweight BMI are a lot softer, and just plain fat.
When I see a guy with no muscle mass who is overweight my internal bias is equal to seeing an overweight woman.
Reply