A new trend has come about in American culture, and many believe it has already become ingrained to a dangerous level. We are talking about the perception of “fatness” as humorous. Highlighted by films like The Nutty Professor and the Austin Powers movies, making entertainment out of obesity is widely accepted. Unlike popular movies and TV shows, our Gwinnett clinic in Lawrenceville focuses on helping overweight individuals achieve healthy lifestyle goals.

Why Obesity Is Not a Humorous Topic

The issue is not simply making fun of “fat people” per se, but rather downplaying the real struggle many have of losing weight and the negative associations with being overweight, namely the health hazards that heavyset individuals are at a higher risk of having.

Millions of Americans suffer from obesity, a good number of them young children, and mass media is simultaneously perpetuating two messages. The first is that fat people are bad, lazy or lack self-control as if obesity is always a choice. The second is that fat people are the butt of the joke. It is not difficult to realize the effects this can and has had on society thus far.

While adults may have an easy time deflecting these harmful messages, kids are a different story. They internalize these depictions from a very young age and begin to blame themselves, believing they are bad, unlovable people or that something is wrong with them.

Being overweight is bad for your health, but not for reasons that have to do with the person. Measures must be taken to alter the way obesity is presented in the media because until this happens, only a small percentage of people will be able to find the courage and willpower necessary to lose weight. Contact our Gwinnett medical weight loss center if you are suffering from health or weight problems. The Gwinnett doctors at Rodriguez MD are here to help.