title: [Obesity: stigmatization, discrimination, body image].
abstract: Obesity is a heterogeneous condition with multifactorial genesis (genetic predisposition, life-style, psychosocial situation), but there is a relatively homogeneous negative stereotype of obese individuals, because overweight and obesity are seen as self-inflicted disorders caused by physical inactivity and disorderd eating behavior. Obese individuals are confronted with far-reaching stigmatization and discrimination. Typical stereotypes are laziness, unattractiveness, work refusal. This negative image by the environment contributes to negative self-awareness and self-stigmatization, accompanied by a poor self-esteem and feelings of poor self-control and reduced self-efficacy, resulting in poor constructive coping strategies for overweight reduction. In addition, a disturbed body image combined with deep dissatisfaction with their own body is often found in many obese individuals. There is not always a close connection between body weight and body dissatisfaction. Young women and individuals with a binge eating disorder often show an increased body dissatisfaction as well.
authors.affiliation: Univ. Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Lanserstraße 30, 6080, Innsbruck-Igls, Österreich. johann-kinzl@tirol-kliniken.at.
authors.forename: Johann F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Kinzl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D000072861:Phobia, Social / Q000523:psychology; D011287:Prejudice; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D013240:Stereotyping; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Body dissatisfaction; Body image; Discrimination; Obesity; Stigmatization