People Who Undergo Obesity Surgeries Continue to be Viewed in Negative Light

An Australian study has found that obese people who undergo weight loss surgeries continue to be viewed in a negative light among those who know that they took surgical help to lose excess weight. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of New South Wales’ School of Psychology who recorded the observations of 73 students. The participants were initially shown a picture of a woman known as Susan who had a body mass index of nearly 40.

The participants were then shown a more recent picture in which Susan had a BMI of 22. They were also given her basic biographical information while some of the participants were told that she either underwent surgery or diet and exercise to lose weight.

On being asked to rate her personality and behavioral traits, those students who had been told that Susan had undergone surgery rated her more harshly compared to others. “If they are told it was the result of surgery, our findings suggest they will view a previously obese person in some of the same ways as they did before - as someone who is lazy, lacks willpower and does not exercise enough”, lead researcher Jasmine Fardouly said. The study has been published in the International Journal of Obesity.


Source-Medindia