The Deviant Nature of Obesity - 2746 Words

The Deviant Nature of Obesity Sociology 277 Jill Prunty Obesity has become increasingly more prominent in American society. The Unites States has even been termed an overweight nation. Some twenty to thirty percent of American adults are now considered obese (Hwang 1999 and Hirsch et al 1997). With this in mind, Americans constantly look around themselves determining their weight status as well as that of those around them. While some Americans do fit the healthy category, others enter the underweight, overweight, and even obese categories, all of which can be unhealthy. Obesity can be termed deviant for a variety of reasons. Not only is it unhealthy, but it is also a widely unaccepted†¦show more content†¦All of these contribute to obesity. Some attitudes might foster an acceptance within a peer group or family for obesity. Causal behaviors for obesity include overeating and lack of activity. Conditions consequential to obesity include socioeconomic factors and poor education. Labeling theory gives definition to the obese. The deviant is one to whom the deviant label has been successfully applied (51). Having achieved obese status, the person has also achieved deviant status. The obese have acquired a conditional deviant status, which can be changed, thereby moving the person back within the norm (9). However, the deviant label is not always easily removed (9). While those who lose weight and can keep it off are cheered on by society, those who regain lost weight have a harder time removing their labels. They are then labeled yo-yo dieters. One obvious example is Oprah Winfrey. A popular talk show host, Winfrey has been in the spotlight and public eye for years. Weight has been an issue for her from the beginning. America has watched her lose weight only to gain it back over and over again. Many comments have been made on other television shows, in magazine articles, and in simple conversation concerning her weight. She will continue to be seen as at least having been fat, even when she is thinner. On the other hand, those who lose the weight and keep it off become positive deviants. The deviant exits theShow MoreRelatedObesity And Its Effects On Society997 Words   |  4 Pagesone looks, but it is the reaction of society or how society reacts that determines if an act is deviant or not (Goode, 2011). Obesity adheres to Goffman’s typology of stigma and deviance; abomination of the body and blemish of individual character (Goode, 2011). Terms such â€Å"Hog Bodies† or â€Å"Pigs in Human suits† are frequently used because the majority considers obesity as a product of immoral or deviant behavior. Furthermore, individuals that are not fat believe those that are obese became fat becauseRead MoreThe Obesity Epidemic Essay2683 Words   |  11 Pages Obesity has become increasingly more prominent in American society. The Unites States has even been termed an overweight nation. 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