Obesity Discourse

Framing Obesity: Perspectives on Discourse
Over the years, my perspective on obesity has been informed by education in the fields of public health, family therapy, and feminist theory. While obesity may appear to have a clear definition, BMI of 30 or greater, speak this word in any of the three aforementioned disciplines and you will receive some opposing views. My goal for this report is to outline some key terms surrounding obesity based on field and argue for a more inclusive, interdisciplinary understanding rather than a one-sided view.
As a budding academic, I have the luxury of intentionally considering the ways in which discourse shapes discipline and practice. Consult with a public health educator about weight-related issues and
epidemic), family matter, or point of discrimination. Nevertheless, determinants of obesity are less field-specific in that behaviors, genetics, and environment are essential contributors to the disease (American Medical Association, 2013)—see The Obesity Society (2015) for a detailed infographic on the causes of obesity within and outside of the
Obesity has clear health consequences for children and adolescents as evidenced by increased rates of Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes and cardiovascular disease within this population (Liese, Ma, Maahs, & Trilk, 2012)—see Brownell, Schwartz, Puhl, Henderson, & Harris (2009) for a thorough public health perspective on preventing adolescent obesity. Weight stigma also has consequences related to school bullying, identity development, self-esteem, body image, and romantic relationships (Boyes & Latner, 2007; Hong & Espelage, 2012; Puhl & Heuer,