ABSTRACT
Weight is a major determinant of self-perception and self-esteem, and there is good evidence that both adults and children are stigmatized and mistreated if they are overweight. Although attitudes towards obesity are shaped by age, gender and cultural background, negative attitudes are pervasive. These anti-fat attitudes lead to assumptions about the character and psychological state of obese people and are linked, in turn, to prevailing Western attitudes about responsibility and blame. Our portrayal of obesity, understanding of its causes and approaches to treatment need to acknowledge properly the influence of an obesogenic environment, and not be based on a misconceived notion of will power.
