The majority of current research also highlights the negative impact that obesity stigma has on health and social behaviours and outcomes. Obese individuals are prone to social isolation and exclusion (Miller, Rothblum, Barbour, Brand, & Felicio, 1990; Strauss & Pollack, 2003); are less willing to engage in health promoting activities (such as physical activity) and health care services (Amy, Aalborg, Lyons, & Keranen, 2006; Drury & Louis, 2002); are more reluctant to engage with public health messages about obesity (Lewis, Thomas, Hyde et al., 2010); and experience stigma-related depression,anxiety, low self esteem, poor body image and psychological stress (Friedman et al., 2005; Thomas, Karunaratne et al., 2010). However, more recently debate has ensued about the possible effectiveness of stigma in stimulating behaviour change (Bayer, 2008). Some argue that obesity stigma may actually be positive by motivating individuals to engage in weight loss (and thus improve health outcomes), and may be a key factor in sustaining weight loss successes (Latner, Wilson, Jackson, & Stunkard, 2009). This approach has been seized upon by some health policy makers and professionals, who have promoted shame-based risk discourses as an effective way to motivate obese individuals to lose weight (Betts, 2010; Triggle, 2010). Despite the increasing popularity of this approach, there is very limited evidence to show that ‘shame based’ tactics are either effective or ethical in health promotion initiatives seeking to improve the health and wellbeing of obese individuals (MacLean et al., 2009; Lewis, Thomas, Hyde et al., 2010; Thomas, Lewis, Hyde, Castle, & Komesaroff, 2010).
Sophie Lewisa, , , Samantha L. Thomasb, R. Warwick Bloodc, h, David J. Castled, Jim Hydee, g, Paul A. Komesaroff, 'How do obese individuals perceive and respond to the different types of obesity stigma that they encounter in their daily lives? A qualitative study', Social Science & Medicine Volume 73, Issue 9, November 2011, Pages 1349–1356
