Originally Posted by
blutoski
So firstly, the claim that's being tested is that the fat shamers are brave heroes taking action for the greater good, because the more they shame the fatties the more likely they'll change their ways and turn back to being a good skinny. I'm willing to examine the claim that's being made, and it turns out to be crap.
Secondly, not all studies are as you describe. Some are longitudinal, and take place over many years. Publishing weights and fitness results, for example. The populations with public weight and fitness displays develop more obese, less active kids over time than the segment without the policy. The causal relationship seems supported.
*** having said that ***
There are many causes to obesity, and public denigration is just one of them. The contribution is minor. But all of the factors' contributions are minor, and combine into what's referred to as an obesogenic environment. There need to be many solutions, there is no quick fix.
Without the hyperbole, still no.
The question that might be tested would be what extent the role of "fat shaming" plays in motivating the
non obese to remain (or become) so.
Or, as a corollary, does greater social tolerance for obesity produce more obese individuals?