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population, very few studies examine whether obese persons are treated and perceived
differently at different points on the BMI spectrum (Puhl and Brownell 2003). Second, we can
examine whether the relationship between body weight and perceived discrimination persists
when important demographic characteristics (such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status) are
controlled. The obese are more likely than the non-obese to be older, female, black, and less
educated; each of these demographic characteristics also is associated with a greater likelihood
of experiencing discriminatory treatment (Kessler et al. 1999).
Finally, we can document whether discriminatory treatment varies based on other
characteristics of the obese person. Obese persons belonging to social strata where obesity is less
common, normal and acceptable may be particularly likely to experience discrimination. Whites,
Anglo-Americans, the more highly educated, and those with richer economic resources are less
likely to be obese, and also are more likely to place greater value on thinness and to hold more
negative attitudes the obese (Averett and Korenman 1999; Crandall and Martinez 1996;
Friedman et al. 2002; Hayes and Ross 1986; Rand and Kuhldau 1990; Ross 1994; Ross and
Mirowsky 1983). Moreover, definitions of physical attractiveness are more closely tied to
thinness for women than men (Hesse-Biber 1997). Thus, it is possible that the interpersonal and
social consequences of obesity are most acute for those who are white, young, female, and of a
high socioeconomic status. We conduct moderation analyses to examine whether the relationship
between body weight and perceived discrimination is conditional upon important
sociodemographic characteristics, including age, race, gender or socioeconomic status.
Obesity and Self-Esteem: Is Discrimination the Link?
Because persons with stigmatized identities may be subject to discriminatory treatment
by both individuals and social institutions, one would expect obese persons to have poorer self-
Convention