Obesity as a Form of Deviance

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Introduction

Deviance is defined as ‘any action, belief, or human characteristics that members of a society or social group consider a violation of a group norms for which the violator is likely to be censured or punished.’ (Ritzer, 2016).

As such obesity can be seen as a form of social deviance. The reason being in certain aspects of everyday life, it is being stigmatized. Obesity can be defined as the increase of the body mass index as a result of fat buildup in the body which is more than the skeletal and physical specifications. However, despite the challenges being faced in reality about obesity, there are evidences to show that obesity is being accepted in our society.

Topics of discussion in this report include causes of obesity, complications of obesity, ways in which obesity is punished, preventions of obesity and evidences of how the stigma of obesity is changing.

Causes of Obesity

Family Inheritance and Influences – Gene inheritance from parents usually influences the how the body stores fats, how much is stored and where the fats are shared. Health habits are usually influenced by family members. For example in Guyanese homes, if roti is cooked three times a day, most family members would have no choice but to eat was is cooked in the home.

Life Choices- At the end of the day, it all depends on one’s choice. Some people choose to eat the unhealthiest and high-calorie foods and neglect the healthiest of fruits and vegetables. This contribute greatly to one’s overall weight and BMI. Also influencing your weight, is the level of inactivity. Eating lots of high calorie food and not exercising to burn the calories allows the fat to be stored in the body.

Social and Economic Issues- In some cases, there may be the unavailability of safe areas to exercise. Also, there may be little or no access to healthy foods or healthy forms of cooking. Age- As one gets older, there may be little or no active lifestyle since age influences the muscle strength in the human body which results in low metabolism. Due to these reasons, an older person may have a higher probability to become obese.

Certain Disease – Arthritis is a condition in which the joints in the human body swells and becomes tender. This may result in decreased activity, hence, weight gain.

Complications of Obesity

Heart disease and Strokes – Obesity causes high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels which may lead diseases. E.g. Atherosclerosis which is due to the fat build up in veins and arteries.
Type Two diabetes- Obesity can affect the way in which your body uses insulin to control blood sugar levels.
Sleep Apnea- this is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, dyspnea and even depression.
Osteoarthritis- The increase of weight on weight bearing joints eg. The knees, may induce stress which may lead to inflammation and pain. This is due to the wear and tear of the cartilage that protects and cushions the joints.
Gynecological Problems- These conditions occur in women whereby they are faced with irregular periods, urinary issue and sometimes infertility.

Ways in which obesity is punished

People hurl insults- For example, when waiting in a public transportation (bus) for it to load at the park, the conductor may bring along an obese passenger to be seated in the bus, you’d hear negative comments like ‘where you putting him/her’, ‘that’s two person seat’, etc. .These comments are insulting and hurtful.

Health care providers dismiss them- For instance, an obese person goes to his/her healthcare provider for medical treatment. Without asking or listening to the problem the doctor assumes that their problem is their weight. For some individuals, an arthritis pain means they can’t exercise as a normal person would.

Employers deny opportunities- Employers will feel that an obese person will not be productive in the work environment since they are limited due to their weight. For example, the position for a Marketing Assistant, this job requires the individual to make regular visits to customers and marketing brands. The employer will most likely select someone who is physically fit for this job even though he/she has all the skills and qualifications needed.

The media conveys disgust images of headless bellies and derisive stereotypes – For example, in some commercials, when advertising weight loss products, they would use an obese person to showcase that product, showing the excess body fat and the before and after images for using the product.

Ways in which the prevailing systems of sanctions impact new behaviors

Model Industry

In modern society, there has been a massive evolution of the model acceptance in the acceptance of the plus size models. Plus size models are now featured on many popular and reputable magazine covers. For example, Ashley Graham who was the first size sixteen model to be on the cover of sports Illustrated in 2016. Thereafter, she were on covers of Vogue, Elle and Glamour. By these happenings, she paved a way for other plus size models since after her success she became an advocate for body positivity and confidence.

Other plus size models include Tara Lynn, Marquita Pring and Tess holiday. Elle Magazine: Ashley Graham Cosmopolitan Magazine: Tess Holiday

Another valid point on this evolution of overweight models was pointed out by a member of our audience while presenting. She said that by placing Tess Holiday, who was clinically obese, on covers of magazines glamorizes obesity and unhealthiness. She mentioned that the much wider audience looking on (especially who are obese) would view her as a role model and would want to believe that they can stay the way they are and live unhealthy.

However, it does not glamorize obesity, it basically showcases that even obese people have the ability to be successful and can accomplish their dreams without their weight being a hindrance. It points out that if you want to be a model you do not have to starve yourself to be slim to walk on a catwalk, you can just be yourself. Also to note, at the end of the day one has their own choice, some may choose to exercise to lose weight and some may not.

Fashion Industry

There has been a revolution in the fashion industry right in Guyana. More boutiques are targeting plus size persons and catering for them via plus size clothing lines. Plus size clothing are more readily available in a wider variety. An industry that has stigmatized plus size clothing has now being catered and provided for.

Sports Industry (Cricket)

A great example from this aspect is the Caribbean cricketer Rahkeem Cornwall. Being 6’5 and having a weight of 140kgs, he has played immaculate. He is a spin bowler and a prodigious batsman. Recently, he scored 2,224 runs in the 2019 Test Series between Indian & WI and gained 260 wickets at an average of 23.9 in 55 outstanding matches. Also, he scored 75 runs from 30 balls which led to Saint Lucia Zouks to their first win in CPL 2019 against Jamaica Tallawahs who lost by 5 wickets.

This shows that his weight is not a hindrance to his potential and successes in his career. He continues to prove that he can accomplish any desire of his own.

Prevention

Many steps can be taken to prevent unhealthy weight gain and health related problems associated with obesity. Some of these steps are:

Exercising Regularly – At least 130 to 150 minutes of exercising is required to burn calories effectively. Activities include jogging, riding a bicycle and swimming which enhances cardiovascular functions within the body. This then allows blood to flow freely with maximum gaseous exchange.
A healthy diet plan- It is advised to intake foods and fruits that are low in calories and high in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This allows one to have a healthy Body mass index (BMI) and a low probability of suffering from health issues.
Monitor your weight regularly- This allows one to be conscious of their weight gain from consuming high calorie foods or weight loss from having an active and healthy lifestyle. It allows one to realize if their diet plan is effective or alternatives need to be considered. It serves as a guide to a healthy life style.
Consistency – It is advised to stick to your diet plans or health habits. This means during holidays, special outings, etc. one should still eat their healthy foods more and be aware of the amount of calorie’s being consumed so that weight isn’t gained rapidly.

Conclusion

Obesity is a form of social deviance where victims are punished by society for the way they appear. It is usually caused by lifestyle choices, genetics, age and social and economic issues. In addition, it may result in many health issues such as heart diseases, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and gynecological problems. Being obese has a lot of daily challenges. Victims receive rejections in forms of insults, dismissal from the healthcare providers, denial from job opportunities and stereotyping. However, in most cases obesity can be prevented by simple modifications to one’s lifestyles such as exercising regularly, being conscious of one’s calorie intake and maintaining consistency.

As evidenced by the changing norms of society, industries and organizations have evolved in that people suffering from obesity are now given equal opportunities and are catered for. Evidences include, the increase in plus size models and clothing lines and the success of overweight athletes.

Reference

Cricket Next. (2019, August 31) Rahkeem Cornwall. Retrieved from: https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/india-vs-west-indies-rahkeem-cornwall-breaks-117-year-old-record-to-become-heaviest-test-cricketer-2291787.html
Maddox, G., L; Back, K. W., &; Liederman, V., R. (1968). Overweight as Social Deviance and Disability. American Sociological Association.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, August 22). Cause Of obesity. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, August 22). Complication. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, August 22). How obesity is punished. Retrieved from: https://conscienhealth.org/2017/02/obesity-policies-punishment-care-neglect/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, August 22). How to Prevent Obesity. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, May 08). Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925

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