What is a stigma?
A stigma is a negative connotation that can be associated with a person, a trait, or even an idea. A stigma may be legitimate or contrived. It may be held by a society or by a small group. Often a stigma is the result of unfair attitudes or biases, though stigmas can also be justified. How does the stigma of being overweight hurt people? The widespread stigmas that overweight people are lazy, unmotivated, or stupid have a profound effect on their ability to lose weight. According to studies by researchers at the Yale University Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity (http://www.yaleruddcenter.org), the stigmatization and bullying of overweight children by their peers may result in higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts and eating disorders. Overweight children as young as three may experience the effects of this stigma from their peers, teachers and even parents. Teasing and unpleasant behavior from others as a result of being overweight is not outgrown when people leave school, eithe
