Obesity Among US Women Becoming More Socially Acceptable

Obesity Among US Women

Obesity among women residing in the U.S. has become more sociallyacceptable, likely in part because more than one-third of women ages 20and older are obese, according to a study published in the July issueof Economic Inquiry, the Washington Times reports.

For the study, Frank Heiland, an assistant professor of economics at Florida State University's Center for Demography and Population Health, and Mary Burke, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, analyzed data from CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.The researchers found that the average weight of women between ages 30and 60 has increased by 20 pounds, or 14%, since 1976. Among women whoweigh 300 pounds or more, the increase was 18%, the researchers found.

Theresearchers also found that self-image has changed and that obesity hasbecome more socially acceptable. According to the study, the averagewomen weighed 147 pounds in 1994 but stated that she wanted to weigh132 pounds. By 2002, the average women weighed 153 pounds but said shewanted to be 135 pounds, the study found. "The fact that even thedesired weight of women has increased suggests there is less socialpressure to lose weight," the researchers noted.

According toHeiland, obesity among women is a "social dynamic" that is driven bylower food prices, larger portions, shifts in medical ideals and inwhat is considered beautiful, and perceptions among women themselves."Medically speaking, most agree that this trend is a dangerous onebecause of its connection with diabetes, cancer and other diseases,"Heiland said, adding, "But psychologically, it may provide relief toknow that you are not the only one packing on the pounds."

In a related study conducted by Harvard Medical School and the University of California-San Diego, researchers found that obesity spreads through social networks, particularly among women, the Times reports (Harper, Washington Times, 8/7). The study, released last month in the New England Journal of Medicine,analyzed 12,067 people who from 1971 to 2003 participated in theFramingham Heart Study. The study found that if a woman's sister orsame-sex friend was overweight, her risk of gaining weight increased. Asimilar association was found among men and their brothers and same-sexfriends (Christakis/Fowler, NEJM, 7/26).
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