Fat bias

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?