Weight-Based Stereotypes

Having a positive self-image will help foster more interpersonal relationships but on the other hand, weight-based stigmatisation also affects the relationship process.
Carr and Friedman (2006) stated that even young children reported that obese persons are considered less desirable, less competent and less attractive when compared to their slimmer peers. Individuals who are obese, in realizing their disadvantageous situations have reported compromised interpersonal relationships and negative self-evaluations. This is consistent with the labelling theory that proposes a stigmatised person will form negative beliefs about oneself and ultimately will adopt these negative beliefs. On the other hand, Howard (2014) found that as one’s body image

They found that students with strong stereotyped beliefs reported less willingness to study, play or socialize with an overweight classmate. Negative stereotypes about their overweight classmate led to influence the negative behavioural intentions. Stereotypes such as fat people are lazy, unhealthy and socially inept and they are often rejected by their classmates because of their weight leaving them socially isolated, have difficult relationships and have fewer friends. Weight-based stigmatisation is becoming more wide spread. From the gathered results, the authors confirmed that weight biased attitudes were predictive of behavioural intentions toward the “thin” target figure vs the “fat” target figure. Overweight youths are more likely to be negatively stereotyped as compared to their thin peers. Negative characteristics like being lazy, they are less healthy and less fit and have fewer friends are more commonly paired with overweight youth. Given these negative stereotyped, it is not surprising that overweight youths often experience social rejection, poor self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, are victims of bullying and has depressive