"PLUS SIZE" NORMALIZATION

A new study warns that the normalization of 'plus-size' body shapes may feed the obesity epidemic.

Analyzing data from almost 23,500 overweight or obese people, the study found that weight-status (being overweight or obese) misperceptions...

have increased in England since the start of the millenium, reaching now 30% in women, and 60% in men.

According to the lead researcher, this phenomenon can be explained, at least in part, by the normalization of obesity associated with the development of the “plus size” market as well as “body-positive” movements.

In addition, the study found that people misperceiving their weight status are much less likely to try and lose weight.

Interestingly, such underestimation also correlated with such characteristics as gender, level of education, and socioeconomic status. Just like males and people with little education and/or low income, ethnic minorities were also particularly affected.

Source: Muttarak (2018)