Obesity Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Obesity & Women: Obese Women becoming more Socially Acceptable

Obesity Discussion · 08-08-07, 08:16 PM

Obesity & Women: Obese Women becoming more Socially Acceptable

Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy

[Aug 08, 2007] Obesity among women residing in the U.S. has become more socially acceptable, likely in part because more than one-third of women ages 20 and older are obese, according to a study published in the July issue of Economic Inquiry, the Washington Times reports.

For the study, Frank Heiland, an assistant professor of economics at Florida State University's Center for Demography and Population Health, and Mary Burke, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, analyzed data from CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The researchers found that the average weight of women between ages 30 and 60 has increased by 20 pounds, or 14%, since 1976. Among women who weigh 300 pounds or more, the increase was 18%, the researchers found.

The researchers also found that self-image has changed and that obesity has become more socially acceptable. According to the study, the average women weighed 147 pounds in 1994 but stated that she wanted to weigh 132 pounds. By 2002, the average women weighed 153 pounds but said she wanted to be 135 pounds, the study found. "The fact that even the desired weight of women has increased suggests there is less social pressure to lose weight," the researchers noted.

According to Heiland, obesity among women is a "social dynamic" that is driven by lower food prices, larger portions, shifts in medical ideals and in what is considered beautiful, and perceptions among women themselves. "Medically speaking, most agree that this trend is a dangerous one because of its connection with diabetes, cancer and other diseases," Heiland said, adding, "But psychologically, it may provide relief to know that you are not the only one packing on the pounds."

Obesity & Women

08-08-07, 08:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Obesity Discussion Administrator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,800 Weight Statistics 8/1/2006 Start Date: 185 lb Start Weight: 152 lb Current Weight: 155 lb Goal Weight: -33 lb Weight Loss: 5/1/2007 Goal Date:	Obesity & Women: Obese Women becoming more Socially Acceptable Obesity & Women: Obese Women becoming more Socially Acceptable Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy [Aug 08, 2007] Obesity among women residing in the U.S. has become more socially acceptable, likely in part because more than one-third of women ages 20 and older are obese, according to a study published in the July issue of Economic Inquiry, the Washington Times reports. For the study, Frank Heiland, an assistant professor of economics at Florida State University's Center for Demography and Population Health, and Mary Burke, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, analyzed data from CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The researchers found that the average weight of women between ages 30 and 60 has increased by 20 pounds, or 14%, since 1976. Among women who weigh 300 pounds or more, the increase was 18%, the researchers found. The researchers also found that self-image has changed and that obesity has become more socially acceptable. According to the study, the average women weighed 147 pounds in 1994 but stated that she wanted to weigh 132 pounds. By 2002, the average women weighed 153 pounds but said she wanted to be 135 pounds, the study found. "The fact that even the desired weight of women has increased suggests there is less social pressure to lose weight," the researchers noted. According to Heiland, obesity among women is a "social dynamic" that is driven by lower food prices, larger portions, shifts in medical ideals and in what is considered beautiful, and perceptions among women themselves. "Medically speaking, most agree that this trend is a dangerous one because of its connection with diabetes, cancer and other diseases," Heiland said, adding, "But psychologically, it may provide relief to know that you are not the only one packing on the pounds." Obesity & Women __________________