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Support for laws to prohibit weight discrimination in the united states: Public attitudes from 2011 to 2013
Author(s) -
Suh Young,
Puhl Rebecca,
Liu Sai,
Fleming Milici Frances
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.20750
Subject(s) - statute , legislation , law , obesity , politics , political science , employment discrimination , psychology , medicine
Objective Public attitudes about three proposed laws prohibiting weight discrimination in the US, from 2011 to 2013 were examined. Methods An online survey using a diverse national sample of US adults to assess their level of support for three specific laws against weight discrimination was conducted. Data collection occurred between June and July in 2011 ( n = 1,098), 2012 ( n = 1,202), and 2013 ( n = 1,202). Results Between 2011 and 2013, support for laws prohibiting weight discrimination remained consistent, and in some cases became increasingly supportive, primarily in 2012‐2013. At least 75% of participants consistently favored laws prohibiting weight discrimination in the workplace. Individuals became increasingly supportive of extending disability protections for individuals with obesity (62% in 2011 to 69% in 2013) and adding body weight as a protected class in Civil Rights statutes (70% in 2011 to 76% in 2013). Analyses highlight specific predictors of support (gender, race, education, and political affiliation). Conclusions There is strong, consistent support for policies prohibiting weight discrimination. These findings have important implications for developing specific antidiscrimination legislation to protect Americans with obesity and improve their quality of life.