New Mexico State University received a large grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to research weight prejudice on campus.
"Weight prejudice (a.k.a. anti-fat prejudice and weight bias) is the presence of negative beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward individuals who appear to be overweight or obese," a grant awarded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture explains.
The $17,500, five-year grant will be used for mock fat vests that demonstrate how an extra 20 pounds feels, Campus Reform reported. The fat vest is a vest-like suit with an added 20 pounds of gel material that is positioned around the body's midsection.
"I plan to evaluate the prevalence and perceived impact of weight prejudice in the NMSU student population, which is predominantly Hispanic," Golem said. "If the prevalence is high, similar to other populations examined in published literature, then my research will move on to explore weight prejudice reduction interventions that focus on three categorical strategies."
The three categories include educating the population on the complexity of obesity and uncontrollable factors of weight, encouraging acceptance and empathy, which will include wearing a mock fat vest, and promoting social acceptance through weight prejudice awareness campaigns.
Golem said the psychological effects of being overweight are often intertwined with the social effects, and those who have experienced weight prejudice are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and suicide ideation. She suggested the negative psychological and social effects of being overweight may be intertwined with experiencing weight prejudice.
"Weight prejudice translates into disparities in education, healthcare and employment settings," she said. "It is important that all members of our society are provided equal opportunities in these public settings regardless of their body shape and size."
Many people who are subject to weight prejudice avoid physical activity, preventative healthcare and are more susceptible to engaging in disordered eating behaviors, which is not to be confused with eating disorders. Disordered eating behaviors can occur without the development of a disorder and are not clinically diagnosed.
Golem said that for future social awareness campaigns, she is interested in exploring the need to reduce the emphasis on weight status as the only determinant of health and determining healthy behaviors.
