Why are Individuals Turning to the Internet for Support with Being Fat?
Body fat is a widely discussed topic today in America, as well as the rest of the world. With the population of obese individuals growing, many are turning to on-line sources for support and help with their concerns and dieting questions. While there is plenty of information available about the causes and “cures” for obesity, it is difficult to find this information and seek help offline without dealing with the stigma attached to being obese. Research has shown that the effects of stigmatization may contribute to higher levels of social isolation as well as difficulties generating fulfilling and lasting relationships. Moreover, obese individuals feel that the social processes that coincide with attempts at weight loss through offline communication are not conducive to the general well being and happiness (Dickins et al., 2011) As the obese community grows, the internet becomes a more attractive resource for health related information as opposed to offline formats. Obese individuals are turning to the web for a variety of resources.
Online Responses to Stigma
Past research has examined the social consequences of obesity and has shown that obese individuals experience extensive stigmatization and discrimination that negatively impacts their physical and mental outcomes (Dickins et al., 2011). The internet provides an environment free from judgment or the stigma that goes along with being overweight (i.e. lazy, out of shape, bad hygiene). This includes searching not only health and diet information, but also support groups. Support groups for those in the obese community range from support in one’s weight loss goals, to safe sites that promote discussions about how being overweight impacts one’s life, to “fat and proud” support sites (i.e The Fatosphere), that are not trying to change the person, so much as change the way overweight persons are perceived and undo the stigma tied to fat (Lewis, Thomas, Blood, Castle, Hyde, and Komesaroff, 2010). The majority of online responses to obesity related stigma manifest in the forms of educational websites and activist blogs, commonly referred to as the Fatosphere.
In short, the Fatosphere refers to the online web blogging and website community which posits an alternative view of fat and body acceptance in opposition to traditional medical forms of prevention. Moreover, the overarching goal of the Fatosphere is to provide an empowering medium which allows users to resist stigmatizing models of obesity (Dickins et al., 2011). The Fatosphere depends heavily on user generated content and by the same token employs the use of a variety of popular media sites such as YouTube and Tumblr (Lipczynska, 2011; Dickins et al., 2011). The Fatosphere has generated interests from both ends of the obesity spectrum. Users within the Fatosphere who view obesity more as a social construct feel that community provides an alternative model of fat acceptance. By the same token these users distance themselves from the idea of dieting or weight loss as a form of intervention that feel that re-framing fat in terms of empowerment and social connection is a more conducive approach for both mental and physical health. Literature examining the psycho-social effects of the Fatosphere is limited. Additionally, the notion of accepting obesity and fatness has received criticisms from those that feel promoting obesity may have deleterious consequences (Dickins et al., 2011).
Online Responses to Stigma
Past research has examined the social consequences of obesity and has shown that obese individuals experience extensive stigmatization and discrimination that negatively impacts their physical and mental outcomes (Dickins et al., 2011). The internet provides an environment free from judgment or the stigma that goes along with being overweight (i.e. lazy, out of shape, bad hygiene). This includes searching not only health and diet information, but also support groups. Support groups for those in the obese community range from support in one’s weight loss goals, to safe sites that promote discussions about how being overweight impacts one’s life, to “fat and proud” support sites (i.e The Fatosphere), that are not trying to change the person, so much as change the way overweight persons are perceived and undo the stigma tied to fat (Lewis, Thomas, Blood, Castle, Hyde, and Komesaroff, 2010). The majority of online responses to obesity related stigma manifest in the forms of educational websites and activist blogs, commonly referred to as the Fatosphere.
In short, the Fatosphere refers to the online web blogging and website community which posits an alternative view of fat and body acceptance in opposition to traditional medical forms of prevention. Moreover, the overarching goal of the Fatosphere is to provide an empowering medium which allows users to resist stigmatizing models of obesity (Dickins et al., 2011). The Fatosphere depends heavily on user generated content and by the same token employs the use of a variety of popular media sites such as YouTube and Tumblr (Lipczynska, 2011; Dickins et al., 2011). The Fatosphere has generated interests from both ends of the obesity spectrum. Users within the Fatosphere who view obesity more as a social construct feel that community provides an alternative model of fat acceptance. By the same token these users distance themselves from the idea of dieting or weight loss as a form of intervention that feel that re-framing fat in terms of empowerment and social connection is a more conducive approach for both mental and physical health. Literature examining the psycho-social effects of the Fatosphere is limited. Additionally, the notion of accepting obesity and fatness has received criticisms from those that feel promoting obesity may have deleterious consequences (Dickins et al., 2011).
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The results of the Lewis et al. study found that those who were a greater weight from their goal weight (higher BMI) the more likely they were to search online for weight-loss solutions. These solutions included commercial diets (n=67), surgical options (n=30), complimentary medications and therapies (n=6), and prescription medications (n=3). Reasons ranged from embarrassment for “letting themselves get so fat” to feeling like they need to handle their “problem” alone, without any help. Some search for answers to questions that they are afraid to ask out loud, like “Will my weight effect my relationship?” or “How fat is too fat?”
Their results found two main themes emerging for most participants. First, Individuals repeatedly searched for information that would help them lose weight, however most information being found and absorbed will not help sustain long term weight lose goals (like fad dieting), and find themselves discouraged and at times desperate. Secondly, there is strong desire for those in the obese community to connect with others dealing with the same struggles (Lewis et al., 2010).
The results of the Lewis et al. study found that those who were a greater weight from their goal weight (higher BMI) the more likely they were to search online for weight-loss solutions. These solutions included commercial diets (n=67), surgical options (n=30), complimentary medications and therapies (n=6), and prescription medications (n=3). Reasons ranged from embarrassment for “letting themselves get so fat” to feeling like they need to handle their “problem” alone, without any help. Some search for answers to questions that they are afraid to ask out loud, like “Will my weight effect my relationship?” or “How fat is too fat?”
Their results found two main themes emerging for most participants. First, Individuals repeatedly searched for information that would help them lose weight, however most information being found and absorbed will not help sustain long term weight lose goals (like fad dieting), and find themselves discouraged and at times desperate. Secondly, there is strong desire for those in the obese community to connect with others dealing with the same struggles (Lewis et al., 2010).