Laws in San Francisco aim to prevent fat discrimination

Attacking someone for being fat should be a hate crime, campaigners say.

They want so-called "fat-ism" to be made illegal on the same grounds as race, age and religious discrimination.

A demonstration was held outside the offices of the mayor of London asking him to lead the way in making sure employers are not prejudiced.

Protesters want the UK to follow San Francisco, where a law bans "fat-ism" in housing and employment and stops doctors pressing patients to slim down.

Sondra Solway, a San Francisco lawyer, said: "The San Francisco ordinance says you may want to mention weight to the patient but if the patient says they do not want to talk about that then you are asked to respect those wishes."

Size acceptance

In the UK, size is not a protected characteristic under discrimination legislation.

People who are very overweight do experience a lot of prejudice both in their social life and working life and do need some protection." Dr Ian Campbell, Weight Concern

The campaigners, who belong to the Size Acceptance Movement, say surveys show 93% of employers would rather employ a thin person than a fat one even if they are equally qualified.

Kathryn Szrodecki, who campaigns on behalf of overweight people, said that in the UK fat people were stared at, pointed at, talked about and attacked.

She said: "I have been discriminated against - I am a YMCA qualified fitness instructor, but I have gone for jobs and been laughed off the premises."

Another campaigner, Marsha Coupe, said: "I have been punched, I have had beer thrown in my face, I have had people attack me on the train.

"They say 'Move out of the way fatty! Well person coming down the aisle!'"

Ms Szrodecki said: "This is a very common event - someone being beaten up should be a crime.

"It is not about who you are or what you have done, it is just about the way you look.

"You are allowed to shame us just because of the way we look."

Dr Ian Campbell of the charity Weight Concern said he was doubtful that legislation would have any immediate effect on the situation.

He said: "People who are very overweight do experience a lot of prejudice both in their social life and working life and do need some protection.

"We know that genetic and social reasons can lead to this very complex problem.

"For instance, people in inner cities are much more likely to be overweight because of poorer education, poorer housing and poorer job opportunities.

"Not everyone has a free choice about controlling their weight."

A spokesman for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said size was already protected by the legislation if it was caused by a disability: "Potentially human rights legislation would also cover people by protecting their right to work."

A full report appears in Inside Out London Tonight at 1930 BST on BBC1.

sources: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8314125.stm

The research is based on an online survey of 320 people

People with mental health problems are likely to avoid gyms and physical exercise due to embarrassment and fear of being judged, a survey has found.

The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) said it helps explain why people with issues like depression are more likely to become obese.

The survey also found people with mental health problems were four times more likely to have diabetes.

SAMH said obesity and mental health issues must not become closely linked.

Out of 112 people with mental health problems who were questioned, 9% said they would be too embarrassed and 11% said they worried people would judge them.

This important survey by SAMH shows the importance of mental health issues in Scotland's health challenges Peter Rice, Royal College of Psychiatrists Scotland

Of the 138 people who did not have a mental health problem, 1% said they would be too embarrassed and 2% were concerned about being judged.

Billy Watson, SAMH chief executive, said: "Our research presents compelling evidence that people with mental health problems often feel unable to attend local exercise facilities.

"This must be addressed by ensuring that such facilities do not discriminate against people with mental health problems.

Alcohol consumption

"We believe it is crucial that mental health problems and obesity do not become an inevitable partnership and immediate action is required to address this."

SAMH questioned 320 people through its website on aspects of physical and mental health between 10 August and 20 September this year.

Out of those quizzed 112 said they currently had a mental health problem, 67 said they had a problem in the past and 138 said they had not had a mental health problem.

The research also found that people with mental health problems were more likely to be unable to afford to buy more fruit and vegetables, more likely to have sought help to reduce their alcohol consumption and experienced physical health problems.

'Important survey'

Men with current mental health problems were twice as likely as men with no mental health history to drink more than the recommended 21 units per week.

The questionnaire also found people with current or previous mental health problems were more likely to smoke and have more than 20 cigarettes per day.

Peter Rice, Chairman of Royal College of Psychiatrists Scotland and Consultant Psychiatrist, said: "This important survey by SAMH shows the importance of mental health issues in Scotland's health challenges.

"The high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure identified will be contributed to by the barriers which people with mental health problems face in accessing exercise facilities." 上

sources:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8298080.stm
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