Nearly one in three people (29%) who are morbidly obese have been subjected to criticism over their weight by a stranger, according to new figures out today.
The research, conducted by Slimming World and YouGov, also reveals that over half of people who are obese (57%) feel that victimisation of the overweight is more widespread than ever before.
The startling statistics follow reports that a 53-year-old London woman was subjected to an unprovoked physical attack on a train after a fellow passenger took exception to her size.
Jenny Caven, Slimming World spokesperson, says: “It’s tragic that there is so much prejudice that people feel that it’s acceptable to physically attack a stranger because of their weight. It’s a frightening prospect, and our research suggests this kind of abuse is not an isolated incident.
“Verbal abuse is even more widespread. In fact eight out 10 people who are obese have suffered negative comments about their size and, for people who are very obese, it appears that many of these comments also come from complete strangers.”
Among the healthy weight population one in four people (26%) admit to having criticised a stranger over their size, with 61% saying ‘they only have themselves to blame’.
Jenny Caven continues: “The very last thing any overweight person needs is criticism and humiliation, which is why the results of this survey are so shocking. At Slimming World we believe passionately in lifting the burden of guilt, misery and low self esteem by giving overweight people the positive support and encouragement they need to make a change and achieve their potential.”
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Notes to Editors
Research
· The National Slimming Survey 2009 was conducted by Slimming World and YouGov and polled a nationally representative sample of 2,148 people about their weight, eating habits, activity levels, general health, relationships, career and family as well as their attitudes to weight and the issues surrounding it.
· Obesity is defined as having a BMI over 30. Morbid obesity is defined as having a BMI of more than 40.
· The National Slimming Survey found that obesity is more commonplace than most people imagine. While only 7% of people questioned believed their weight placed them in the obese category, their BMI results showed that 27% were actually obese.
Slimming World
· Slimming World is the largest and most advanced slimming organisation in the UK. Margaret Miles-Bramwell (OBE, FRSA) founded the company in 1969 and there are now 6,000 groups held weekly nationwide via a network of 2,500 Slimming World trained Consultants.
· In 2009 Slimming World celebrates its 40th Anniversary and four decades of helping people to lose weight without deprivation, guilt or hunger.
· 300,000 members attend Slimming World every week and achieve outstanding success.
· Members lose 17,857 stones every week: 2,551 stones every day, over 106 stones every hour, that’s 1stone 10 lbs lost every minute of every day with Slimming World.
· Slimming World pioneered Slimming World on Referral in the UK and actively supports the building of partnerships with the NHS and local authorities to develop effective strategies to manage overweight and obesity in the community. Slimming World works with university researchers and specialists in an active research programme to further knowledge of the causes and treatment of obesity.
· Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food OptimisingÒ, and the principles behind Slimming World’s philosophy are based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overweight people. Slimming World integrates practical, up-to-date dietary advice with a highly developed support system.
· Slimming World Consultants receive specific training in dietary aspects and the role of physical activity in weight control. The highly developed training focuses on facilitating behaviour change in a group environment, acknowledged by experts as being the most effective way to support long-term weight management.
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