Social and emotional well-being

The social and emotional well-being of obese individuals may be compromised. Cultural values sometimes promote thinness resulting in prejudice against the obese not just in relationships but also in employment, education and even health care. However, other cultures value obesity making it difficult for those trying to lose weight for health reasons. Therefore, identifying the beliefs of obese individuals regarding weight is important, as is their expectation of how much weight they anticipate losing. Furthermore, the rate of expected weight loss should be addressed as failure to reach targets may cause a great deal of stress perhaps resulting in weight regain. Social support is important to those trying to lose weight but may not be forthcoming and others may sabotage attempts to introduce changes. The social setting and how people interact, especially family and friends can either encourage good weight management or cause conflict resulting in emotional eating. Work patterns also need to be considered as they can disrupt eating and physical activity plans.