Obesity on the Raise, have you got it controlled?

Seriously overweight persons face constant challenges to their emotions: repeated failure with dieting, disapproval from family and friends, sneers and remarks from  strangers. They often experience discrimination at work, and cannot enjoy theatre seats, or a ride in a bus or airliner.  The severely overweight person faces challenges even in small routine acts like that others take for granted. Many may be on starvation diet but friends and relatives scrutinize their eating habits – convinced that that are sneaking food. They cannot perform simple things; walking up stairs or tying shoes is a major ordeal. Stereotypes of obese people – such as that they are lazy – may result in lower self-esteem and poor body image. There is no wonder that anxiety and depression might accompany years of suffering from the effects of a genetic condition – one which normal people all believe can be controlled easily by will power.

Social outcasts

Severely obese persons suffer inability to qualify for many types of employment, and face discrimination in employment opportunities, as well. Ignorant persons often make rude and disparaging comments, and there is a general societal belief that obesity is a consequence of a lack of self-discipline, or moral weakness. Many severely obese persons find it preferable to avoid social interactions or public places, choosing to limit their own freedom, rather than suffer embarrassment.