Obesity stigma in sexual relationships

Abstract

Objective: Obese children are stigmatized in same-sex relationships. This study examines whether, in adulthood, obesity stigma exists in adults when they are asked to rank order preferences for a sexual partner.

Research methods and procedures: Following the methods of Richardson et al. (Richardson SA, Goodman N, Hastorf AH, Dornbusch SM. Cultural uniformity in reaction to physical disabilities. Am Sociol Rev. 1961;26:241-247) and Latner and Stunkard (Latner J, Stunkard AJ, Wilson GT. Age, ethnic and gender differences in stigmatization of obesity. Orlando, FL: International Conference on Eating Disorders; 2004), 449 college students were asked to rank order six drawings of potential sexual partners. The drawings included an obese partner, partners with various other disabilities, and a healthy partner.

Results: The least-preferred partners were obese. Men, compared with women, provided significantly lower ranks for obese partners (U = 20,180.00, z = -2.84, p = 0.01).

Discussion: Despite the fact that the majority of adults in the U.S. are overweight, discrimination on the basis of weight occurs in making a choice of a sexual partner. Males particularly make choices of partner based on their weight. Obesity stigma may specifically affect women in sexual relationships. Weight-related stigma needs to be addressed in the treatment of binge eating disorder or weight management. Finding ways to change attitudes and behavior toward the overweight is a goal for future research in the area.