Materiell og profesjonell stigmatisering av mennesker med sykelig overvekt

Resumé

The aim of this study is to show how people suffering from severe obesity might
experience stigmatization. We interviewed 6 persons recruited from a
Norwegian rehabilitation center, specialized in lifestyle intervention in severe
obesity. We found that the participants suffering from severe obese experienced
stigmatization and thus felt that they a) did not fit into the materiel world and b)
experienced a lack of respect from health care professionals. The results are
discussed according to how contemporary symbols are embedded in our
surroundings and in our bodies. The conclusion underlines severe obesity as a
complex problem which is strengthened by rooms and interior designed for ideal
sizes. The prejudices that health care professionals express worsen these
patients feeling of stigma. We refer to this as material and professional
stigmatization.