Social and Cultural Factors that may influence how the growth in obesity is experienced.

For this assignment I am going to look at how social and cultural factors can influence the prevalence of obesity, and examine ways in which society perceives the obese.

It is considered that culture is one of the most powerful determinants of body weight because it decides the context of eating and activity and also attributes moral and social meanings to weight. Ultimate influences on weight include cultural values, economic resources and social institutions (Brownwell, et al 1995). For example in adolescence gender based expectations on appearance have a significant influence on eating patterns with slimness being a vital social asset (Hill, et al 1997).
Slimness has become more valued as a cultural ideal by industrial societies where people view body fat as ugly and unhealthy. Many societies in developing countries consider fat to be an attribute, whereas in western societies such as Britain, obesity is thought to be a function of social attitudes.
Cultural and behavioural th...