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01-03-2015 | Brief Communication

Changes in Weight Bias and Perceived Employability Following Weight Loss and Gain

Authors: Robert A. Carels, James Rossi, Jessica Borushok, Maija B. Taylor, Allison Kiefner-Burmeister, Nicole Cross, Nova Hinman, Jacob M. Burmeister

Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 3/2015

Abstract

Background

The present weight stigma study examined whether attitudes toward and employability of a normal weight person can change after learning that the person had been obese.

Methods

Participants (N = 154) viewed an image of a normal weight woman and rated their impression of her. Next, participants rated their impression of her overweight image after learning how she had previously gained and subsequently lost weight.

Results

Participants rated the model far less favorably including perceived employability if they thought the once overweight model lost weight through surgery vs. diet and exercise. How the model initially gained the weight had little impact on participant ratings.

Conclusions

Surgical weight loss had a significant impact on personality judgments. These negative views extended to hiring decisions.

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Title: Changes in Weight Bias and Perceived Employability Following Weight Loss and Gain
Authors: Robert A. Carels
James Rossi
Jessica Borushok
Maija B. Taylor
Allison Kiefner-Burmeister
Nicole Cross
Nova Hinman
Jacob M. Burmeister
Publication date: 01-03-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Obesity Surgery / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0960-8923
Electronic ISSN: 1708-0428
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-014-1522-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Changes in Weight Bias and Perceived Employability Following Weight Loss and Gain

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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