Understanding ‘fat shaming’ in a neoliberal era: Performativity, healthism and the UK’s ‘obesity epidemic’

This article explores how ‘fat shaming’ as a practice that encourages open disdain for those living in larger bodies operates as a moralising tool to regulate and manage those who are viewed as ‘bad citizens’. It begins by outlining the problematic use of fat shaming language that is often used as a tool to promote ‘healthy’ lifestyle choices by those who view it as not only an acceptable way of communicating the health risks associated with obesity, but also a productive way of motivating people with overweight and obesity to lose weight. I then go on to discuss how shame as it relates to body image and excess weight is culturally produced through both objective conceptualisations of deviance and subjective judgements about the moral character of those who are living with excess weight. Adopting a feminist theoretical perspective, this article further considers the reciprocal nature of fat shaming by calling attention to how shame as a felt emotion is dependent on understandings of oneself in relation to others, as well as the relationships that one forms with others. In this way, I argue that shame in general, and fat shaming in particular, is performative to the extent that it exists as a relational construct that is iteratively produced through the language and actions that give it meaning.

Spratt,T. and Dolezal, L. ‘Fat Shaming’ under Neoliberalism and COVID-19: Examining the UK’s ‘Tackling Obesity’ Campaign

This article explores the dynamics between fat shaming, neoliberalism, ideological constructions of health and the ‘obesity epidemic’ within the UK, using the UK Government’s recent Tackling Obesity campaign in response to COVID-19 as illustrative. We draw attention to the ways in which ‘fat shaming’ as a practice that encourages open disdain for those living with excess weight operates as a moralising tool to regulate and manage those who are viewed as ‘bad’ citizens (LeBesco, 2004). In doing so we begin by outlining how the ideological underpinnings of ‘health’ have been transformed under neoliberalism. We then consider the problematic use of fat shaming discourses that are often used as tools to promote ‘healthy’ lifestyle choices by those who view it as not only an acceptable way of communicating the health risks associated with obesity, but also a productive way of motivating people with overweight and obesity to lose weight (Brown and Baker, 2013, p. 24). Drawing on Graham Scambler’s theoretical framework regarding shame and blame (2020), we discuss how ‘heaping blame on shame’ has become a ‘wilful political strategy’ under neoliberalism, particularly as it relates to individuals with excess weight or obesity, and how the Tacking Obesity campaign leverages concerns around ‘choices’ and ‘costs’ as a means to encourage normative models of self-care and self-discipline.

The First Episode of Psychosis

Now in its second edition, The First Episode of Psychosis is the ideal book for young people and their families experiencing the frightening and confusing initial episode of psychosis, which often occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood. The updated edition includes information on specialized early intervention services, going back to school and work, and the latest treatments and medicines. The book covers a range of topics essential for young people and families facing the challenges of psychosis. Topics covered include early warning signs, symptoms, types of primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder, evaluation, treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices. Worksheets helps readers to track and better understand their own experiences, and to openly communicate with care providers. An extensive glossary clarifies the dizzying array of terms used by medical professionals. Optimistic, practical, and recovery-oriented, The First Episode of Psychosis will help young people and their families take an active, informed role in their care as they take steps towards achieving their goals.

The Association between Lifestyle Choices and Schizophrenia Symptoms

Due to poor eating habits, insufficient physical activity, and nicotine use, schizophrenia patients are at increased risk of lifestyle diseases. Factors contributing to unhealthy behaviors include lower socioeconomic status and level of education as well as social isolation. Schizophrenia manifestations such as amotivation, apathy, and cognitive deficits can further hinder development of proper health habits. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association between lifestyle-related choices and schizophrenia symptoms severity. This observational study enrolled 106 patients with schizophrenia (42 Males/64 Females), 18–69 years (mean: 41.89 ± 9.7 years). Mean duration of schizophrenia was 14.61 ± 9.7 years. Multiple significant correlations were found between patients’ lifestyle and their biochemical laboratory parameters (lipid profile and fasting glucose). Most importantly, a significant link emerged between presented habits and schizophrenia symptom severity. There were also significant gender differences in the intake of sweets and sweet beverages. Quite unexpectedly, a behavioral shift towards more healthy lifestyle choices was observed after completion of questionnaires on lifestyle and health habits. There are clear benefits to systematic provision of educational interventions concerning physical activity and proper eating habits to schizophrenia patients. These simple preventive measures could significantly improve both mental and physical health outcomes in schizophrenia patient populations.

The role of Aotearoa New Zealand midwives as positive influencers on food literacy with Samoan families: Report on a small Auckland-based study

Background: Healthy eating is crucial for optimal development during all stages of life and most particularly during pregnancy. According to Stats NZ, Pasefika people make up 8.1% of the total Aotearoa New Zealand population. Information from the Ministry of Health suggests that Pasefika people have the highest level of food insecurity and the highest level of obesity. Women are more likely than men to be involved with food preparation; therefore, it is important to know to what extent women are aware of what healthy eating means for themselves and their families. Aim: This study aimed to explore an understanding of the levels of food literacy among representatives of three generations of women in five Samoan families; how each of the three generations ensured that their dietary intake contributed to their quality of health; and whether the extent of food literacy was influenced both within and between/across generations. Method: The study used a combined Delphi-Talanoa approach to interview 15 Samoan women about the levels of their understanding of food literacy. Findings: Midwives played an important role in helping pregnant Samoan women understand about healthy eating during pregnancy. Women shared with other female relatives what they had learned about healthy eating from their midwives. Learnings taken from midwives included the importance of choosing healthy foods, portion control and physical activity. Conclusion: All study participants who had received antenatal care in Aotearoa New Zealand mentioned the important role of midwives in increasing their understanding of healthy lifestyle choices. What the women learned from their midwives also informed their wider family or aiga.

The effect of active occupational stress management on psychosocial and physiological wellbeing: a pilot study

Background: The aim of the study was to address the working population with an occupational stress prevention program using mHealth solution and encourage them for healthy lifestyle choices.Methods: Seventeen participants were randomized from the corporate setting. A 24alife app with a good compliance program was selected. Test battery has been designed to test the physical readiness, psychological evaluation and biological blood markers for stress. Participants were followed up after 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively, within the intervention period. Weight of participants was tracked three times per month. Univariate analysis compared the continuous variables by One-Way Repeated-Measures ANOVA test when the data were normally distributed, or Wilcoxon rank sum test for abnormal distribution of variables.Results: Participants used the app with a compliance rate of 94.1%. The psychological evaluation revealed higher motivation for work, lower burnout scores and participants gave subjective responses of better general wellbeing. Some of the participants lost up to four kg of body mass. Physical readiness has also improved.Conclusions: Results of mHealth projects on corporate could include primary health care institutions and health ministry to extend the existing system to patients’ pockets where they can monitor their disease and increase the ability of self-care.

The effect of active occupational stress management on psychosocial and physiological wellbeing: a pilot study

Background The aim of the study was to address the working population with an occupational stress prevention program using mHealth solution and encourage them for healthy lifestyle choices. Methods Seventeen participants were randomized from the corporate setting. A 24alife app with a good compliance program was selected. Test battery has been designed to test the physical readiness, psychological evaluation and biological blood markers for stress. Participants were followed up after 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively, within the intervention period. Weight of participants was tracked three times per month. Univariate analysis compared the continuous variables by One-Way Repeated-Measures ANOVA test when the data were normally distributed, or Wilcoxon rank sum test for abnormal distribution of variables. Results Participants used the app with a compliance rate of 94.1%. The psychological evaluation revealed higher motivation for work, lower burnout scores and participants gave subjective responses of better general wellbeing. Some of the participants lost up to four kg of body mass. Physical readiness has also improved. Conclusions Results of mHealth projects on corporate could include primary health care institutions and health ministry to extend the existing system to patients’ pockets where they can monitor their disease and increase the ability of self-care.

Inflammation and Chronic Diseases: The Polar Lipid Link

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. The focus of scientists and practitioners for decades has been on cholesterol levels and pharmacological ways to control them. Over the past few years, a new school of thought has emerged: inflammation is the underlying cause of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as CVD. Therefore, the key to reducing the incidence of chronic diseases is to control the activities of various inflammatory mediators, such as platelet-activating factor (PAF), via diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices. One proposal has been that the polar lipids (PL) present in foods can play a key role via their antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. In this paper, we present our latest views on PAF and how it is related to CVD, and we discuss the role of diet and PL against PAF-induced inflammation.