Janet A Lydecker1,2, Elizabeth W Cotter3,4, Allison A Palmberg3, Courtney Simpson3, Melissa Kwitowski3, Kelly White3, Suzanne E Mazzeo3. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 301 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA. janet.lydecker@yale.edu. 2. Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, PO Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA. janet.lydecker@yale.edu. 3. Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, PO Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA. 4. School of Education, Teaching, and Health, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Weight stigma involves stereotyping individuals based on body size. Individuals with obesity face weight stigma in many areas of their lives, and consequences can include impairment of mental and physical health, relationships, and academic performance. Weight-stigmatizing messages are pervasive in mass media, but the degree and characteristics of its presence within new-media social environments remain comparatively unknown. METHODS: This study examined weight stigma on Twitter by coding Tweet content that included the word "fat" within a 4-h timeframe (N = 4596). Coding marked demographic characteristics represented in content, messages about weight, and perceived intent of the message. RESULTS: Of all messages, 56.57 % were negative and 32.09 % were neutral. Of those containing weight-stigmatizing messages (n = 529), themes relating to fatness included: gluttonous (48.58 %), unattractive (25.14 %), not sexually desirable (2.65 %), sedentary (13.80 %), lazy (5.86 %), and stupid (4.16 %). CONCLUSIONS: Weight-stigmatizing messages are evident in the increasingly important arena of social media, and themes appear similar to those that emerge in other forms of media. Prevention and intervention body image programs should consider targeting social networks to help individuals manage societal messages.
PURPOSE:Weight stigma involves stereotyping individuals based on body size. Individuals with obesity face weight stigma in many areas of their lives, and consequences can include impairment of mental and physical health, relationships, and academic performance. Weight-stigmatizing messages are pervasive in mass media, but the degree and characteristics of its presence within new-media social environments remain comparatively unknown. METHODS: This study examined weight stigma on Twitter by coding Tweet content that included the word "fat" within a 4-h timeframe (N = 4596). Coding marked demographic characteristics represented in content, messages about weight, and perceived intent of the message. RESULTS: Of all messages, 56.57 % were negative and 32.09 % were neutral. Of those containing weight-stigmatizing messages (n = 529), themes relating to fatness included: gluttonous (48.58 %), unattractive (25.14 %), not sexually desirable (2.65 %), sedentary (13.80 %), lazy (5.86 %), and stupid (4.16 %). CONCLUSIONS: Weight-stigmatizing messages are evident in the increasingly important arena of social media, and themes appear similar to those that emerge in other forms of media. Prevention and intervention body image programs should consider targeting social networks to help individuals manage societal messages.
Entities:
Keywords:
Content analysis; Prevention; Social media; Twitter; Weight stigma
Authors: Molly E Waring; Danielle E Jake-Schoffman; Marta M Holovatska; Claudia Mejia; Jamasia C Williams; Sherry L Pagoto Journal: Curr Diab Rep Date: 2018-04-18 Impact factor: 4.810
Authors: James Kite; Bo-Huei Huang; Yvonne Laird; Anne Grunseit; Bronwyn McGill; Kathryn Williams; Bill Bellew; Margaret Thomas Journal: EClinicalMedicine Date: 2022-05-20
Authors: Christine N May; Molly E Waring; Stephanie Rodrigues; Jessica L Oleski; Effie Olendzki; Martinus Evans; Jennifer Carey; Sherry L Pagoto Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2017-03 Impact factor: 3.046
Authors: Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon; María Llavero-Valero; Angel Asunsolo Del Barco; Melchor Alvarez-Mon; Rodrigo Sánchez-Bayona; Victor Pereira-Sanchez; Maria Vallejo-Valdivielso; Jorge Monserrat; Guillermo Lahera Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2019-05-28 Impact factor: 5.428