1
|
Rao A, Puhl R, Farrar K. Weight Stigma in Online News Images: A Visual Content Analysis of Stigma Communication in the Depictions of Individuals with Obesity in U.S. and U.K. News. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 29:95-106. [PMID: 38037345 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2286512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Weight stigma is a pervasive form of discrimination worldwide. News media, and news images in particular, can reinforce weight stigma by portraying persons with obesity in a negative, stereotypical manner. Informed by the model of stigma communication, this study conducted a content analysis of images accompanying obesity-related news articles from the U.S. and U.K. to determine and compare the prevalence of stigmatizing images. Images (N = 445) in obesity-focused news articles obtained from the top four most viewed online news in the U.S. (n = 244) and U.K. (n = 201) during August 2018-August 2019 were systematically coded. These 445 images featured 228 individuals. Of these 228 individuals, 35% were identified as higher weight and 44% as lower weight. Overall, 70% of persons of higher weight in these news images were depicted in a stigmatizing manner. Further, 46% of individuals with higher weight were depicted with their head partially or fully removed from the image, compared to 25% of individuals with lower weight. Additionally, U.K. news were 2.5 times more likely to contain stigmatizing images than U.S. news. These findings highlight the prevalence of weight stigma in news images and suggest that broader systemic efforts are needed by the news media industry to eliminate the use of negative imagery that marginalizes persons of higher weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Rao
- Department of Communication, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rebecca Puhl
- Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kirstie Farrar
- Department of Communication, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nutter S, Eggerichs LA, Nagpal TS, Ramos Salas X, Chin Chea C, Saiful S, Ralston J, Barata-Cavalcanti O, Batz C, Baur LA, Birney S, Bryant S, Buse K, Cardel MI, Chugh A, Cuevas A, Farmer M, Ibrahim A, Kataria I, Kotz C, Kyle T, le Brocq S, Mooney V, Mullen C, Nadglowski J, Neveux M, Papapietro K, Powis J, Puhl RM, Rea Ruanova B, Saunders JF, Stanford FC, Stephen O, Tham KW, Urudinachi A, Vejar-Renteria L, Walwyn D, Wilding J, Yusop S. Changing the global obesity narrative to recognize and reduce weight stigma: A position statement from the World Obesity Federation. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13642. [PMID: 37846179 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Weight stigma, defined as pervasive misconceptions and stereotypes associated with higher body weight, is both a social determinant of health and a human rights issue. It is imperative to consider how weight stigma may be impeding health promotion efforts on a global scale. The World Obesity Federation (WOF) convened a global working group of practitioners, researchers, policymakers, youth advocates, and individuals with lived experience of obesity to consider the ways that global obesity narratives may contribute to weight stigma. Specifically, the working group focused on how overall obesity narratives, food and physical activity narratives, and scientific and public-facing language may contribute to weight stigma. The impact of weight stigma across the lifespan was also considered. Taking a global perspective, nine recommendations resulted from this work for global health research and health promotion efforts that can help to reduce harmful obesity narratives, both inside and outside health contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nutter
- Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laura A Eggerichs
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Taniya S Nagpal
- Department of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ximena Ramos Salas
- Replica Communications, Kristianstad, Sweden
- Obesity Canada, Edmonton, Canada
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, Teddington, UK
| | - Christine Chin Chea
- Internal and Obesity Medicine, University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research, Nassau, Bahamas
| | | | | | | | - Claudia Batz
- George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise A Baur
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susie Birney
- Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sheree Bryant
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, Teddington, UK
| | - Kent Buse
- George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michelle I Cardel
- WW International, Inc., Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ada Cuevas
- Advanced Center for Metabolic Medicine and Nutrition (CAMMYN), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Allison Ibrahim
- Educational Consultant and Patient Advocate, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ishu Kataria
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Catherine Kotz
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Care, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ted Kyle
- ConscienHealth, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sara le Brocq
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
| | - Vicki Mooney
- European Coalition for People Living with Obesity, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clare Mullen
- Health Consumers' Council WA, Mount Lawley, Australia
| | | | | | - Karin Papapietro
- Nutrition Unit, Hospital Clínico de La Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rebecca M Puhl
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Jessica F Saunders
- Psychology Convening Group, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, New Jersey, USA
| | - Fatima Cody Stanford
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology, Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ogweno Stephen
- Global Health Medicine And Health, Faculty of Biology, University Of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kwang Wei Tham
- Singapore Association for the Study of Obesity, Singapore
| | | | - Lesly Vejar-Renteria
- Nutrition and Health Research Center, National Institute of Public Health Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - John Wilding
- World Obesity Federation, London, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma J, Zhou M, Song Z, Deng Y, Xia S, Li Y, Huang X, Xiao D, Yin Y, Yin J. Clec7a drives gut fungus-mediated host lipid deposition. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:264. [PMID: 38007451 PMCID: PMC10675981 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to that of bacteria, the role of gut fungi in obesity development remains unknown. RESULTS Here, alterations in gut fungal biodiversity and composition were confirmed in obese pig models and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Antifungal drugs improved diet-induced obesity, while fungal reconstruction by cohousing or fecal microbiota transplantation maintained the obese phenotype in HFD-fed mice. Fungal profiling identified 5 fungal species associated with obesity. Specifically, Ascomycota_sp. and Microascaceae_sp. were reduced in obese mice and negatively correlated with fat content. Oral supplementation with fungi was sufficient to prevent and treat diet-induced obesity. Clec7a, which is involved in fungal recognition, was highly expressed in HFD-fed mice. The Clec7a agonist accelerated diet-induced obesity, while Clec7a deficieny in mice resulted in resistance to diet-induced obesity and blocked the anti-obese effect of antifungal drugs and fungi. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results indicate that gut fungi/Clec7a signaling is involved in diet-induced obesity and may have therapeutic implications as a biomarker for metabolic dysregulation in humans. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Miao Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Zehe Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Yuankun Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Siting Xia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Xingguo Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Dingfu Xiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China.
| | - Yulong Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Jie Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, 410128, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jepsen CH, Bowman-Busato J, Allvin T, Arthurs N, Goossens GH, Govers E, Jaghutriz BA, Mooney V, Van der Schueren B, le Roux CW. Achieving consensus on the language of obesity: a modified Delphi study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 62:102061. [PMID: 37554127 PMCID: PMC10404853 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is recognized by the World Health Organization as a chronic disease. As such, it should be referred to using the language of chronic diseases, with correct and established terminology and definitions. This study was designed to map the current language used to discuss obesity and to compare this with the standard language used for chronic disease. METHODS We performed a modified Delphi study to identify the language of chronic disease that is being used in the context of obesity, and to identify discrepancies and potential use of inadequate language with respect to the standard language used for chronic diseases. Participants (n = 24) were identified from relevant stakeholder groups and desk research, and included patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, industry, and payers (social insurers) of 18 nationalities/regions in Europe, North/South America, and South Africa. Participants were enrolled between 20.10.2020 and 30.10.2020. The study comprised two rounds of qualitative surveys. In Round 1, participants responded to six open-ended questions. Round 2 comprised 38 statements based on key terms/themes identified in Round 1 and covered the definition, causes, progression, treatment, management, and complications of obesity. Consensus was defined as ≥70% participant agreement on a statement. FINDINGS All participants completed Round 1 and 23 participants completed Round 2. In Round 2, consensus was reached for 28 of the 38 statements. Participants reached a consensus regarding the use of statements that acknowledge the heterogeneous nature of obesity, but not on the use of statements that: defined obesity based on body mass index; regarded psychological, physical, or physiological factors among the main causes of obesity; or implied that weight loss should be the aim of obesity treatment. INTERPRETATION This study uses expert consensus to provide insight into the language used to describe obesity as a chronic disease, and forms the basis for a unified language of obesity. FUNDING Innovative Medicines Initiative, Novo Nordisk A/S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Allvin
- European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Niamh Arthurs
- European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gijs H. Goossens
- Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Govers
- European Federation of Associations of Dietitians (EFAD), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Vicki Mooney
- The European Coalition for People Living with Obesity (EASO ECPO), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bart Van der Schueren
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carel W. le Roux
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lefere S, Vergote K, De Bruyne R, Provoost V, Satalkar PP. 'A radical operation' - a thematic analysis of newspaper framing of bariatric surgery in adolescents. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:447. [PMID: 36882787 PMCID: PMC9993750 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15366-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity in adolescents is a growing public health issue. Bariatric surgery is an effective, yet controversial treatment option for adolescents. The moral acceptability of this procedure by health-care professionals as well as the general public can be influenced by its portrayal in the news media. Our objective was to analyze how newspaper articles portrayed adolescent bariatric surgery, with attention to the language used and moral arguments made. METHODS Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, we analyzed 26 UK and 12 US newspaper articles (2014-2022) on adolescent bariatric surgery for implicit or explicit moral evaluations and use of normative language. Coding was performed after immersive reading, assisted by NVivo. Themes were identified and refined iteratively through consecutive auditing cycles to enrich the depth and rigor of our analysis. RESULTS The major themes identified related to (1) defining the burden of adolescent obesity, (2) sparking moral outrage, (3) sensation-seeking, and (4) raising ethical issues. The articles employed moral language, specifically non-neutral and negative discourse regarding surgery. Blame was attributed to adolescents or their parents. Sensationalist wording often reinforced the normative content, drawing the attention of the reader and contributing to stigmatization of adolescents with severe obesity as lacking will power and being lazy. Further moral issues that stood out were the challenges in obtaining an informed consent, and the unequal access to surgery for socially disadvantaged groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide insights into how adolescent bariatric surgery is represented in the print news media. Despite frequent citing of experts and studies on the efficacy, safety and unmet need for bariatric surgery, obesity and surgery in adolescents are often stigmatized and sensationalized, with (prospective) patients depicted as looking for an easy way out in the form of a solution brought by others (health systems, society, tax payers). This may increase the stigma surrounding adolescent obesity, and therefore limit the acceptability of specific treatments such as bariatric surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. .,Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kato Vergote
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veerle Provoost
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Priya P Satalkar
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Westbury S, Oyebode O, van Rens T, Barber TM. Obesity Stigma: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Solutions. Curr Obes Rep 2023; 12:10-23. [PMID: 36781624 PMCID: PMC9985585 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to examine (i) the aetiology of obesity; (ii) how and why a perception of personal responsibility for obesity so dominantly frames this condition and how this mindset leads to stigma; (iii) the consequences of obesity stigma for people living with obesity, and for the public support for interventions to prevent and manage this condition; and (iv) potential strategies to diminish our focus on personal responsibility for the development of obesity, to enable a reduction of obesity stigma, and to move towards effective interventions to prevent and manage obesity within the population. RECENT FINDINGS We summarise literature which shows that obesity stems from a complex interplay of genetic and environment factors most of which are outside an individual's control. Despite this, evidence of obesity stigmatisation remains abundant throughout areas of media, entertainment, social media and the internet, advertising, news outlets, and the political and public health landscape. This has damaging consequences including psychological, physical, and socioeconomic harm. Obesity stigma does not prevent obesity. A combined, concerted, and sustained effort from multiple stakeholders and key decision-makers within society is required to dispel myths around personal responsibility for body weight, and to foster more empathy for people living in larger bodies. This also sets the scene for more effective policies and interventions, targeting the social and environmental drivers of health, to ultimately improve population health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Westbury
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Oyinlola Oyebode
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Thijs van Rens
- Department of Economics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Heslehurst N, Evans EH, Incollingo Rodriguez AC, Nagpal TS, Visram S. Newspaper media framing of obesity during pregnancy in the UK: A review and framework synthesis. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13511. [PMID: 36268693 PMCID: PMC9788256 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Two thirds of women report experiencing weight stigma during pregnancy. Newspaper media is powerful in framing health issues. This review synthesized UK newspaper media portrayal of maternal obesity. NexisUni was searched to identify newspaper articles, published January 2010 to May 2021, reporting content on obesity during pregnancy. Framework synthesis integrated quantitative and qualitative analysis of the content of articles. There were 442 articles included (59% tabloids and 41% broadsheets). Three overarching themes with interacting sub-themes were as follows: (1) Women were blamed for their weight, risks, and NHS impact. (2) Women were solely responsible for solving obesity, gendered from school age. (3) Women with obesity were a burden on individuals (e.g., themselves, their children, and health professionals), to society, and the NHS. Catastrophizing language framed the "problem," "scale," and "public health concern" of maternal obesity, emphasizing risk, and danger and was alarmist, aggressive, and violent as to elicit fear or devalue women. Articles platformed 'expert' voices rather than women's lived experiences. This review identified that UK newspaper media negatively frames and oversimplifies the topic of maternal obesity. Exposure to blaming and alarmist messaging could increase women's guilt, stigma, and internalized weight bias. The newspaper media should be harnessed to de-stigmatize maternal obesity and promote maternal well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Heslehurst
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Taniya S Nagpal
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Shelina Visram
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Talumaa B, Brown A, Batterham RL, Kalea AZ. Effective strategies in ending weight stigma in healthcare. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13494. [PMID: 35934011 PMCID: PMC9540781 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Weight stigma impacts negatively healthcare quality and hinders public health goals. The aim of this review was to identify strategies for minimizing weight bias among healthcare professionals and explore future research directions. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus (until June 2020). Studies on weight stigma reduction in healthcare students, trainees and professionals were assessed based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to analyze emerging themes. We identified five stigma reduction strategies in healthcare: (i) increased education, (ii) causal information and controllability, (iii) empathy evoking, (iv) weight-inclusive approach, and (v) mixed methodology. Weight stigma needs to be addressed early on and continuously throughout healthcare education and practice, by teaching the genetic and socioenvironmental determinants of weight, and explicitly discussing the sources, impact and implications of stigma. There is a need to move away from a solely weight-centric approach to healthcare to a health-focused weight-inclusive one. Assessing the effects of weight stigma in epidemiological research is equally important. The ethical argument and evidence base for the need to reduce weight stigma in healthcare and beyond is strong. Although evidence on long-term stigma reduction is emerging, precautionary action is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britta Talumaa
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adrian Brown
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Obesity Research, University College London, London, UK.,Bariatric Centre for Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery, University College London Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.,UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research, London, UK
| | - Rachel L Batterham
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Obesity Research, University College London, London, UK.,Bariatric Centre for Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery, University College London Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.,UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research, London, UK
| | - Anastasia Z Kalea
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chanfreau J, Barclay K, Keenan K, Goisis A. Sibling group size and BMI over the life course: Evidence from four British cohort studies. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2022; 53:100493. [PMID: 36652211 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2022.100493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Only children, here defined as individuals growing up without siblings, are a small but growing demographic subgroup. Existing research has consistently shown that, on average, only children have higher body mass index (BMI) than individuals who grow up with siblings. How this difference develops with age is unclear and existing evidence is inconclusive regarding the underlying mechanisms. We investigate BMI trajectories for only children and those with siblings up to late adolescence for four British birth cohorts and across adulthood for three cohorts. We use data on BMI from ages 2-63 years (cohort born 1946); 7-55 years (born 1958); 10-46 (born 1970) and 3-17 years (born 2000-2002). Using mixed effects regression separately for each cohort, we estimate the change in BMI by age comparing only children and those with siblings. The results show higher average BMI among only children in each cohort, yet the difference is substantively small and limited to school age and adolescence. The association between sibling status and BMI at age 10/11 is not explained by differential health behaviours (physical activity, inactivity and diet) or individual or family background characteristics in any of the cohorts. Although persistent across cohorts, and despite the underlying mechanism remaining unexplained, the substantively small magnitude of the observed difference and the convergence of the trajectories by early adulthood in all cohorts raises doubts about whether the difference in BMI between only children and siblings in the UK context should be of research or clinical concern. Future research could usefully be directed more at whether only children experience elevated rates of disease, for which high BMI is a risk factor, at different stages of the life course and across contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Chanfreau
- UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London WC1H 0AA, UK.
| | | | | | - Alice Goisis
- UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London WC1H 0AA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Integrating Empirical Analysis and Normative Inquiry in Health Technology Assessment: The Values in Doing Assessments of Health Technologies Approach. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2022; 38:e52. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266462321001768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Health technology assessment (HTA) aims, through empirical analysis, to shed light on the value of health technologies (O’Rourke et al. [2020, International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care 36, 187–90]). HTA is, then, where facts and values meet. But how, where, and when do facts and values meet in HTA? Currently, HTA is usually portrayed as a sequential process, starting with empirical analysis (assessment), followed by a deliberation on the implications of the findings for a judgment of a health technology’s value (appraisal). In this paper, we will argue that in HTA, empirical analysis and normative inquiry are much more closely entwined. In fact, as we hope to show, normative commitments act as an indispensable guide for the collection and interpretation of empirical evidence. Drawing on policy sciences, we will suggest a concrete methodology that can help HTA practitioners to integrate empirical analysis and normative inquiry in a transparent way. The proposed methodology can be conceived as a concrete means for conducting a scoping exercise in HTA. Moreover, it offers a distinct way of giving stakeholders a structural and constructive role in HTA. This paper outlines the approach developed by the values in doing assessments of health technologies project, a project funded by the Erasmus+ program (contract number 2018-1-NL01-KA203-038960), which is the European Union’s program to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. The project has resulted in an E-learning course, an accompanying handbook, and a consensus statement, all freely available from the project’s website www.validatehta.eu.
Collapse
|
11
|
Brown A, Flint SW, Batterham RL. Pervasiveness, impact and implications of weight stigma. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 47:101408. [PMID: 35497065 PMCID: PMC9046114 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Evidence has accumulated to demonstrate the pervasiveness, impact and implications of weight stigma. As such, there is a need for concerted efforts to address weight stigma and discrimination that is evident within, policy, healthcare, media, workplaces, and education. The continuation of weight stigma, which is known to have a negative impact on mental and physical health, threatens the societal values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. This health policy review provides an analysis of the research evidence highlighting the widespread nature of weight stigma, its impact on health policy and the need for action at a policy level. We propose short- and medium-term recommendations to address weight stigma and in doing so, highlight the need change across society to be part of efforts to end weight stigma and discrimination. FUNDING None.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Brown
- UCL Centre for Obesity Research, University College London, London, Greater London, United Kingdom
- Bariatric Centre for Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery, University College London Hospital NHS Trust, London, Greater London, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Health Research, UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, London, Greater London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart W. Flint
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JU, United Kingdom
- Scaled Insights, Nexus, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom
- Corresponding author at: School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JU, United Kingdom.
| | - Rachel L. Batterham
- UCL Centre for Obesity Research, University College London, London, Greater London, United Kingdom
- Bariatric Centre for Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery, University College London Hospital NHS Trust, London, Greater London, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Health Research, UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, London, Greater London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Grannell A, le Roux CW, McGillicuddy D. "You Are Always at War With Yourself" The Perceptions and Beliefs of People With Obesity Regarding Obesity as a Disease. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:2470-2485. [PMID: 34581642 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211040767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Obesity as a disease remains poorly understood by key stakeholders. Here, in people living with severe obesity, perceptions and beliefs relating to obesity as a disease and obesity causality were examined. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a tertiary care obesity clinic. 23 people with obesity (10 males, 13 females) volunteered. An overall agreement that obesity is a disease was present. Perceptions related to why obesity is and is not a disease were diverse: Lack of control and addiction, biological determinism, and personal responsibility. For weight loss maintenance, the perceptions and beliefs were heterogeneous with biological factors not considered a determinant of success. Instead, exercise, support, and willpower were described as associated with success. Barriers related to remaining in a weight-reduced state included the following: Emotional eating, sustainability of diet, occupational impact, and defeatism due to misaligned expectation and outcome. In conclusion, people living with obesity tend to agree obesity is a disease yet an incomplete understanding of the disease is present.
Collapse
|