Weight discrimination, or fat shaming, is a major social problem. From celebrities to employees and high school students, everyone is facing this issue. Fat shaming was actually an unexpected topic at the latest presidential debates where Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump of referring to Miss Universe winner Alicia Machado as “Miss Piggy.” Health experts and psychologists agree that people should not be judged based on their weight and size.
Body weight does not reflect one’s character, work performance, or intelligence. It’s just a number that has no relevance. Yet, millions of people fall victim to body shaming. Companies often hesitate to hire overweight or obese employees. Large sized women are subject to harassment and get lower paying jobs because of their weight. Medical professionals tell patients to shed pounds rather than treating them for their specific condition.
According to psychologists, fat shaming is the workplace problem that no one is talking about. Yet, this issue messes up people’s lives. Body weight affects the way individuals view one another. Obese women are more likely to be perceived as lazy, sloppy, or undisciplined. Health care professionals assume obese patients will ignore medical advice. Being overweight also increases the likelihood of conviction. Employees can be fired because of their size, even if they do their job well. People who are obese or overweight earn about $1.50 per hour less than leaner individuals.
Currently, there are no laws to protect people from weight discrimination. Women are the most vulnerable. Students are also subject to bullying, which increases their risk of depression, behavioral problems, and suicide. Heavy people face weight-based prejudice at school, at home, and in the workplace. Fat shaming occurs in many aspects of daily living. Those struggling with this issue experience more stress, poor physical health, and emotional problems. There’s no doubt that weight discrimination has gone too far, fueling the fire of social prejudice.
