(CNN)Fatness was an unexpected topic at the presidential debate at Hofstra University on Monday — and many obesity experts now say that they are concerned about what was said.
The topic arose when Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton claimed that Republican nominee Donald Trump publicly body-shamed former Miss Universe winner Alicia Machado, who gained weight after winning the title in 1996. Machado said Trump called her “Miss Piggy.”
If a loved one’s weight may be putting their health in serious jeopardy, there is a way to speak with them without causing them more stress, said Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, professor and division head of epidemiology and community at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
“Place the focus on health rather than on weight,” Neumark-Sztainer said, adding that in her book for parents titled “I’m, Like, So Fat!” she makes recommendations for adults on how to talk to their teen children about weight.
“Provide an environment that makes it easy to make healthy choices. Focus less on weight; instead, focus on behavior and overall health. Provide a supportive environment with lots of talking and even more listening,” Neumark-Sztainer said. “Fat-shaming does not motivate people but makes them feel terrible about themselves and actually causes them to eat more and gain more weight.”
Puhl agreed. “The bottom line is that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their body size. Fat-shaming is ineffective, harmful, and fuels the fire of societal prejudice,” she said.
Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/
source http://www.gp724.com/weight-bias-is-bigger-problem-than-you-may-think-experts-say/
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