This site is intended for health professionals only


Fat people “are still being called nasty names”

by
13 October 2008

Share this article

Fat people are still being called nasty names, according to new research – and the name-callers are likely to be overweight themselves.

Weight-loss specialists LighterLife found that fat-related jibes are “endemic” among Britons, and that the name-calling is most widespread amongst the young.

The old adage that bullies are often bullied themselves also applies, with many of those hurling insults being fat or overweight.

Misguided banter could be why men are readier to insult friends and relatives in this way, with nearly a third (28%) doing so, in comparison to just 11% of women.

And overweight people in London face a harder time than their Scottish counterparts, with twice as many Londoners (30%) prepared to call a friend or relative a nasty name compared with Scots (15%).

Mandy Cassidy, a psychotherapist with LighterLife, said: “It’s sad that adults now find such behaviour acceptable, and particularly so among the younger age groups, as they could well carry through these views as they get older, thus increasing the problem even further.”

Copyright © PA Business 2008

LighterLife

The latest Management in Practice survey focuses on healthcare finance issues pertinent to practice management. Completing the survey will take just 5 minutes and the results will be reported in the Winter 2008 issue of Management in Practice magazine. There will also be a prize draw where four lucky winners will win £50 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers. Simply click here to take part