Dr. Schulman discusses the stigma of obesity. In this article, "Obesity Stigma - a heavy burden", Dr. Schulman addresses society's bias against obese individuals. This bias affects many aspects of an obese person's life. In fact, the damage can be so deep-rooted, that they are still affected long after the weight is lost.

More importantly, Dr. Schulman introduces the idea that this bias exists even among healthcare workers - even those who specifically work with obese individuals. It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize obesity as a disease, and not simply a reflection of being "lazy" or lacking self control.

This article appears in the Jan/Feb, 2009 issue of Advance Healthy Aging. The full article can be read in the attachment below.

obesity stigma.pdf

Great Article!! It's so true you still have the same feelings after you lose the weight.

I know I have the mind of a obese person even though I have lost most of my weight. I don't look in the mirror and see a obese person but my thoughts are those of a obese person. I believe I will always feel/know I have a inner obese person inside of me.

Again Thanks for sharing your very candid article with us.

Your article was so right on the money!!!! I cannot believe how much compassion you have for the obese. I can relate every aspect of that article to my life. I remember vividly the school nurse in 6th grade yelling out my weight of 144 pounds. The shame and humilation started from that day on! Here I am turning 40 in 2 weeks, still feeling so much pain from obesity. Emotional pain that I am still trying to let go. When I think of the cruelness of some I feel very resentful. Being told by the Marketing Director of my company "Start running with me, eat healthy and I will make you a Rep" Are you kidding me? I was a 20 year old, beautiful, OBESE, young women with lots of aspirations. One month later I was let go. I wish I had lost weight so long ago, I feel like I missed out on alot of opportunities. Not because I didnt try..Believe me I pretended to be sooo confident. Almost to make up for my disability. Now, that is what I consider it. I speak to someone once a week to deal with my emotional scars. It really does help. I applaud the Doctor for writing such a honest, eye opening article.

totally agree! I know that im not the obese person I was, but I still feel the obese is there!