Obesity Statistics
Obesity statistics suggest a variety of physical problems and complications associated with morbid obesity that are commonly cited as the biggest issues with morbid obesity. In fact, physical problems are extremely problematic, however they are not the only problems that people afflicted with morbid obesity face. Many reports and obesity statistics show that morbid obesity is also often associated with a social stigma that leads to actual problems in the treatment and social interactions of the personal with morbid obesity.
1. Medical care
Obesity statistics show disparaging treatment can be a major problem. For instance, one study done of nearly two and a half thousand women, many with morbid obesity or some form of being overweight, had the women rate their social interactions. More than half of these women reported that doctors had treated them poorly because of morbid obesity, or of some other kind of obesity. In addition, both doctors and nurses reported that patients with morbid obesity were viewed differently, or were treated differently. Obesity statistics show that both doctors and nurses report that they often believed that patients with morbid obesity were non-compliant, lazy, unsuccessful, or overindulgent, among a number of other negative factors. In addition nearly a quarter of nurses reported that patients with morbid obesity “repulsed” them, while nearly a third of nurses said they would prefer not to care for patients with morbid obesity.
2. Employment
Obesity statistics show that people with obesity also often report having been passed over for jobs and benefits or being fired because of their obesity. For instance, obesity statistics show that obese women generally earn 12% less than thinner women and are more likely to be in low paying jobs. Similarly, obese men are paid less and are under represented in managerial and professional positions. These obesity statistics also suggest that these men are more often passed over for promotions.
3. Psychological problems
Obesity statistics also show that psychologists believe that obese clients have more severe psychological problems, are more negative, and have worse prognosis. However, obesity statistics also show that obesity is associated with an increased risk of depression, as well as a number of other self-confidence and self-image issues. Obesity statistics also show that obese patients are more likely to cancel or reschedule appointments and pursue preventative health care services.