scholarly journals «Oberexia»: The desire to be fat(ter) in adults with excess weight

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Godoy Izquierdo ◽  
Alejandra Rodríguez Tadeo ◽  
María J. Ramírez Molina ◽  
Estefanía Navarrón Vallejo ◽  
Raquel Lara Moreno ◽  
...  

Introduction: Despite of being scarce, evidence is growing on the existence of a group of overweight and obese individuals who do not consider their weight a risk factor for disease and who associate their weight and body with health, vigor, beauty and well-being. Consequently, they manifest a desire to maintain or even increase their weight. We propose an attempt of nomenclature, Oberexia, for this new social reality, and we describe its main characteristics and present empirical observational findings supporting the existence of this condition. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and characteristics of Oberexia in a national sample of Spanish 16 to 60-years-old adults. Methodology: Perceptions of body weight/size/shape and composition, and body satisfaction were assessed in overweight and obese adults through silhouettes, questions and discrepancies. Results: One in ten of the participants self-perceived their body as normal in weight or size. A total of 6.5% wanted to have overweight or obese bodies. A case-to-case analysis revealed that 4.2% of the participants wanted to maintain their appearance, and 1.8% wanted a body with greater weight. All these findings are related to fat mass instead of muscle mass. Conclusions: Our results support the existence of a subgroup of overweight and obese individuals who differ from the traditional subgroup of individuals with excess weight who are dissatisfied with their body. We encourage to explore the outcomes on health and the possible clinical implications of this condition.

Author(s):  
Débora Godoy-Izquierdo ◽  
Juan González-Hernández ◽  
Alejandra Rodríguez-Tadeo ◽  
Raquel Lara ◽  
Adelaida Ogallar ◽  
...  

Although previous evidence suggests that happiness is lower among individuals with obesity, research on the correlates of subjective well-being (SWB) is warranted to increase our knowledge. We aim to explore excess weight (i.e., measured and self-reported body mass index (BMI)), body image and satisfaction, self-stigma, positivity, and happiness among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. We further aim to investigate the predictors of SWB in this sample. A convenience sample of 100 individuals with excess weight completed self-reports on the study variables and were weighed and their height measured. On average, the participants reported body perceptions revealing minor excessive weight, moderate body satisfaction, low-to-moderate weight-related stigma, and elevated positivity and happiness. BMI and gender/sex independently affected these variables, but there were no significant interaction effects. Furthermore, individuals with overweight or obesity with higher body satisfaction and elevated positivity were more likely to report being happy, independent of their age, gender/sex, weight, and weight-related stigma. Mediation effects were found for body satisfaction and positivity in the relationship between weight and happiness. Moreover, positive orientation suppressed the pervasive influence of stigma on SWB. Our findings confirm the key role of body image dimensions and weight-related stigma for happiness and add support to the relevance of positivity for overall well-being of individuals with excess weight. These results may inform obesity management actions focused on inclusive aesthetic models, combating social stigmatization and enhancing positivity for a flourishing and fulfilling life.


Author(s):  
Amanda Wood ◽  
Jennifer Utter ◽  
Elizabeth Robinson ◽  
Shanthi Ameratunga ◽  
Theresa Fleming ◽  
...  

Abstract Body dissatisfaction has been extensively studied but, recently, the importance of body satisfaction and its attributing factors has received significant recognition. Also, there is an increasing awareness of the need for research examining body dissatisfaction and satisfaction in youth other than North American females. Thus, the current research examined the prevalence of, and the individual, social, and familial factors associated with, body-weight satisfaction among New Zealand male and female adolescents (n=9107). Data were analysed from Youth ’07, a nationally representative survey of New Zealand secondary school students. Overall, half of students were happy with their weight, with significantly more males than females reporting body-weight satisfaction. Students happiest with their weight were most likely to report healthy and supportive social and family environments, as well as higher levels of well-being. These findings are consistent with a growing body of research that suggests creating positive peer and family environments may lead to better developmental outcomes, such as body satisfaction, and also higher levels of well-being.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 516-517
Author(s):  
Natasha Peterson ◽  
Jeongeun Lee ◽  
Daniel Russell

Abstract Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) adults may be at risk for high levels of loneliness—a risk factor for worse health behaviors—as a result of historical and social discrimination. Some LGBT older adults may have estranged relationships with family members or have toxic relationships, consequently leaving them without adequate social support. The 2018 Loneliness and Social Connections survey by the AARP Foundation consists of a national sample of non-institutionalized individuals 45 and older, including 2905 individuals who identify as heterosexual and 318 who identify as LGBT. The study indicated individuals had similar levels of loneliness regardless of sexual orientation. However, significant differences between heterosexuals and LGBT participants were found in their communication and time usage when they are lonely. For example, heterosexual individuals socialize with friends in person more than homosexuals (t=-2.393, p<.05), whereas LGBT older adults use technology more to socialize with friends (t=3.749), p<.001. Further, findings revealed that older LGBT adults tend to engage in more risky or unhealthy behaviors when lonely than do heterosexual older adults (t=3.907, p<.001). Overall, the results indicate that while LGBT older adults may spend more time alone (t=7.350, p<.001), they are engaging in different types of activities, particularly involving technology to communicate with friends, suggesting compensation for their lack of in-person contact. By understanding how LGBT older adults cope with loneliness along with the risks and resources that have influences on their health disparities can be useful for developing interventions to improve the health and well-being in these communities.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jen Rinaldo ◽  
Erika Froelicher ◽  
Catherine Waters ◽  
Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo ◽  
Nancy Stotts

Introduction: Mexican American women in the US have the second highest prevalence of overweight or obesity (78.2%), 44.8% are obese, yet little research has examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body satisfaction among young, low-income Latina adults. Objective: To examine the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors about weight, body image and excess weight. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that (1) the women would incorrectly classify BMI; (2) the majority would be obese and (3) there is no difference in body satisfaction among those with and without excess weight. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 131 self-identified Latina women, ages 18 to 45 years was used from two Northern California clinics. An interview administered questionnaire assessed demographics, weight and body image. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square statistics, and logistic regression analysis. Results: While 31% (n=41) classified themselves as having a healthy BMI, 21% (n= 27) met the criteria. Although 58% (n=77) classified themselves as overweight, 46% (n=60) met the criteria. Although 2% (n=3) classified themselves as obese, 34% (n=44) were obese. The majority of women (67%; n=88) reported that they were not at their ideal body weight. Of those who wanted to lose weight, the mean number of pounds they would have to lose to be at their ideal body weight was 15.5 (± 16). The mean body dissatisfaction score of those with excess weight was 2.2 (± 1.1) and 0.74 (± 1.4) for those with healthy BMI. Conclusions: Most women underestimated their BMI category. Less than 6% (n=3) of obese women correctly classified themselves as obese. The misclassification and underreporting of excess weight was statistically significant (p≤ 0.05), pointing to a need for education about weight. Body dissatisfaction scores were higher in women with excess weight. Actual/current body silhouette sizes were statistically significantly associated with excess weight: (OR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.28, 6.04, p= 0.02).


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darío Páez ◽  
Gonzalo Martínez-Zelaya ◽  
Marian Bilbao ◽  
Felipe E. García ◽  
Javier Torres-Vallejos ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Ma ◽  
Liwang Gao ◽  
Joseph Tak-Fai Lau ◽  
Rahman Atif ◽  
Blair T. Johnson ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND This study primarily aimed to evaluate the associations between mental distress and COVID-19-related changes in behavioral outcomes, and potential modifiers (age, gender, and educational attainment) of such associations. OBJECTIVE The COVID -19 pandemic has led to elevated levels of mental distress attributed to prolonged lockdowns, business closures, and social isolation. Its impact on behavioral outcomes is however less known. This study is designed to primarily evaluate the associations between mental distress and COVID-19-related changes in drinking, smoking, physical activity and body weight, and potential modifiers of such associations including age, gender, and educational attainment. METHODS An online survey using anonymous network sampling was conducted in China during April-May, 2020 using a 74-item questionnaire distributed through social media. A national sample of 10,545 adults in 31 provinces provided data on socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related mental distress, and changes in behavioral outcomes. Structural equation models were used for data analyses. RESULTS About 13% of adults reported experiencing at least one symptom of mental distress. After adjusting for age, education, gender, ethnicity, marital status, residence, and number of chronic conditions, greater mental distress was associated with increased smoking and alcohol consumption (among current smokers and drinkers) and with both increased and decreased physical activity. Underweight adults were more likely to lose body weight (≥1 kg) whereas overweight adults were more likely to gain weight by the same amount. The association between mental distress and change in physical activity was stronger in adults aged 40 and above and those with high education. Mental distress was significantly associated with an increase in smoking in males but not females. CONCLUSIONS Mental distress was associated with increased smoking in males but not females. These findings inform the design of tailored public health interventions aimed to mitigate long-term negative consequences of mental distress on outcomes.


Author(s):  
Deborah Carr ◽  
Vera K. Tsenkova

The body weight of U.S. adults and children has risen markedly over the past three decades. The physical health consequences of obesity are widely documented, and emerging research from the Midlife in the United States study and other large-scale surveys reveals the harmful impact of obesity on adults’ psychosocial and interpersonal well-being. This chapter synthesizes recent research on the psychosocial implications of body weight, with attention to explanatory mechanisms and subgroup differences in these patterns. A brief statistical portrait of body weight is provided, documenting rates and correlates of obesity, with a focus on race, gender, and socioeconomic status disparities. The consequences of body weight for three main outcomes are described: institutional and everyday discrimination, interpersonal relationships, and psychological well-being. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the ways that recent integrative health research on the psychosocial consequences of overweight and obesity inform our understanding of population health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 635-636
Author(s):  
Nancy Sin ◽  
Jonathan Rush ◽  
Orfeu Buxton ◽  
David Almeida

Abstract We examined daily affective vulnerability to short sleep (i.e., individual differences in the extent that sleeping ≤6h predicts next-day affect) as a risk factor for developing chronic conditions 10 years later. Participants (N=1945, ages 35-85, 57% women) from the National Study of Daily Experiences reported sleep duration and affect in daily diary telephone interviews. Chronic conditions were assessed with a 39-item checklist (e.g., arthritis, hypertension, diabetes). Multilevel structural equation models revealed that individuals with heightened negative affect following short sleep had an increased number of chronic conditions after 10 years (Est.=1.20, SE=.48, p<.01). Positive affective vulnerability (i.e., greater declines in positive affect following shorter sleep vs. longer sleep) was marginally associated with 10-year chronic conditions (Est.=-.72, SE=.40, p=.07). Adding to the well-established connections between sleep duration and well-being across adulthood, these findings suggest that affective vulnerability to short sleep represents a unique risk factor for long-term health as people age.


2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282199219
Author(s):  
Sherman A. Lee ◽  
Jamison S. Bottomley

Grief-related panic attacks (GRPAs) are a relatively common yet debilitating psychological reaction to loss, the mechanisms of which remain poorly understood among scholars. The purpose of this study was to identify the personality traits that underlie GRPAs in a sample of 314 bereaved adults. The results indicate that GRPAs were relatively common (55.4%) and that anxiety sensitivity uniquely predicted both frequency and impairment associated with these kinds of attacks, while taking into account the effects of neuroticism, trait worry, grief, and gender. Findings suggest that anxiety sensitivity may be a risk factor for GRPAs and magnified grief for some mourners. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.


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