Gender and Ethnic Differences in Obesity‐Related Behaviors and Attitudes In a College Sample

Abstract

This study looked at gender and Black/White differences for a number of variables related to attitudes toward obesity in a sample of 650 college students. The overall stereotypes of overweight persons were both negative and unrelated to subjects' own degree of obesity, although individuals reported that their personal views were less negative than those of others. Women indicated greater concern with obesity than men in several ways, and the societal stereotype of an overweight woman was seen as more negative than that of an overweight man. Men were more concerned about a date's weight than women, and White women's weight (unlike that of other subgroups) was negatively related to their likelihood and frequency of dating. Although Blacks, particularly Black females, were heavier than Whites, they were more satisfied with their body shape. Black males were less likely than White males to have refused to date someone because of her weight, and Blacks personally considered overweight women to be more attractive, sexier, less ugly, and less sloppy than did Whites. The findings suggest that both gender and ethnicity should be considered when discussing people's attitudes towards obesity and the consequences of such attitudes.

Adaptive significance of female physical attractiveness: Role of waist-to-hip ratio.

“…The low attractiveness rating assigned to overweight figures is consistent with previous findings (Harris, Walters, & Waschull, 1991). The low attractiveness for underweight figures, as a group, however, was quite unexpected.…”

Weight-based stigmatization in children

“…The figure representing the thin girl received particularly favorable ratings concerning social acceptance and body satisfaction. These results and results from studies with adults 10,11 suggest that further investigation into the influence of gender in children's weight-based stereotyping may be useful.…”

“…For example, women have been found to be more critical of the overweight and obese than men 10 and obese women are subjected to greater criticism than obese men. 11 Compared to men, women appear to have stronger stigmata against the obese and are the object of a greater degree of social stigmatization of obesity. If these sex differences were demonstrated in children, they may reveal how social stigmatization of being overweight further increases the motivation to lose weight in girls relative to boys.…”

Portrayals of Overweight and Obese Individuals on Commercial Television

“…[10][11][12][13] Negative stereotypes are attached to obese individuals, who are often thought to be undisciplined, dishonest, sloppy, ugly, socially unattractive, sexually unskilled, and less likely to do productive work, among other attributes. 14,15 The result is bias and discrimination aimed at overweight persons in important areas of living, including education, employment, and medical care. 16 Stigma and discrimination are key social and environmental factors that contribute to health.…”