Fat-shaming: Breaking the weight bias in the corporate world

In the cutthroat realm of marketing, where image often reigns supreme, the story of Seun Ajala unveils a rather stark reality: expertise frequently takes a backseat to appearance. Despite her profound understanding of marketing intricacies, Seun finds herself marginalized, not due to her intellect, but rather her body size.

In an industry where perception holds significant weight, Seun’s exceptional talents remain eclipsed by societal biases against her weight. Despite her undeniable capabilities, she finds herself excluded from pivotal client-facing roles, consigned to the sidelines solely because of her size. “Being fat feels like having a disability,” laments Seun, echoing the harsh reality of weight-based discrimination entrenched in the corporate landscape.

Many, like Seun, are referred to as ‘Orobo,’ which is a Yoruba phrase for a fat person. 

Fat Shaming

Fat shaming, a practice prevalent in many societies, inflicts deep emotional wounds by inducing feelings of shame, inferiority, and anxiety about one’s body shape or size. Contrary to its purported intent of motivating weight loss, it instead inflicts considerable harm. There exists no evidence to suggest that shaming individuals for their weight yields positive outcomes; rather, it perpetuates bullying and discrimination, potentially exacerbating unhealthy relationships with food and hindering efforts towards well-being.

Furthermore, weight shaming can deter individuals from pursuing actions conducive to better health, such as engaging in physical activity or seeking medical assistance, as they fear judgement and stigmatization. This pervasive issue not only affects individuals like Seun but also contributes to broader health challenges, notably the global epidemic of obesity.

Obesity

Obesity, recognized as a complex and chronic disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), poses significant health risks, including an elevated susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Its prevalence has surged globally, with over 2.5 billion adults classified as overweight, and 890 million as obese. Once considered primarily a concern in high-income countries, obesity now plagues low- and middle-income nations, including Nigeria, where its prevalence is on the rise.

Studies conducted in Nigeria highlight the alarming rates of overweight and obesity, with significant implications for public health. According to one of the research papers, the estimated prevalence of overweight and obesity was 27.6% and 14.5%, respectively. Among men, the prevalence of overweight was 26.3%, while among women, it was 28.3%. Similarly, the prevalence of obesity among men and women was reported as 10.9% and 23.0%, respectively. Despite efforts to combat the issue, societal attitudes towards weight often remain entrenched, exacerbating the challenges faced by individuals struggling with obesity.

Dr. Bibilari Adewusi, a specialist in public health, emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between weight and obesity. While excess weight may result from various factors, including dietary habits and physical activity levels, obesity is a multifaceted condition with far-reaching health consequences.

“Weight gain is a function of two things: energy input and energy output. When a person consistently consumes energy through meals but remains physically inactive, weight gain and obesity occur,”  he told Prime Progress.

Diseases Associated with Obesity

Women, particularly those grappling with obesity, face unique challenges, including fertility issues and heightened risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The intersection of weight stigma and reproductive health underscores the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to address obesity and its associated health disparities. “The weight can also lead to issues in ovulation and conception, which can result in infertility,” said Dr. Adewusi.

Additionally, obesity induces changes in reproductive hormone levels over a woman’s lifetime, affecting her fertility as she ages. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most prevalent hormone disorder among women of childbearing age (typically between 15 and 45 years old), is closely associated with obesity, with a majority of women diagnosed with PCOS also being obese.

Furthermore, women with obesity are at higher risk for various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer, compared to women without obesity. These health concerns further underscore the importance of addressing obesity as a significant public health issue, not only for reproductive health but also for overall well-being and disease prevention.

Solutions

Addressing obesity requires multifaceted strategies encompassing dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and broader societal changes to combat weight bias and promote body positivity. Embracing healthier dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, and prioritizing whole foods can support weight management and mitigate the risk of obesity-related complications.

Encouraging regular physical activity, tailored to individual needs and abilities, is essential for achieving sustainable weight loss and enhancing overall well-being. By fostering a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and rejects weight-based discrimination, the marketing industry can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Breaking the shackles of weight bias in marketing demands collective action and a commitment to challenging societal norms that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. By amplifying diverse voices and championing inclusivity, the industry can harness the full potential of talent like Seun Ajala, transcending superficial judgments to embrace the richness of expertise and creativity.