Obesity-Stigma as a Multifaceted Constraint to Leisure

Abstract

The sharp increase in obesity prevalence has led to its classification as an international crisis and the number one health epidemic in the United States. Along with implications to physical health, obesity often carries a stigma that negatively impacts the social, emotional, and psychological functioning of those who are overweight or perceive themselves as overweight. This stigma is pervasive throughout our culture, and is evident at different levels across lines of gender, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Although leisure research has insufficiently addressed the topic of obesity-stigma, some general constraints and stigma-based studies reinforce many of the concepts raised in obesity-stigma research. Presented information suggests the relevance of obesity-stigma as a significant leisure constraint. Recommendations for further research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Obesity
• overweight
• stigma
• leisure
• constraints