Social & Emotional consequences
Obesity is stereotyped as undesirable, and has led to tremendous weight stigmatisation. Being the target of heavy discrimination at school, work, and social occasions, obese individuals often have low self-esteem. Having poor self-image, they are likely to feel depressed, unwelcomed and stressed. Thus, causing many to have behavioral disorders, depression and/or suicidal thoughts.
For instance, pressured by weight stigma, some of these individuals, in particular women, turn to extreme dieting for help, hoping to lose weight rapidly. Eventually, they suffer from anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder where people have an obsessive fear of gaining weight. In the worst scenario, anorexia can even result in death.
Moreover, obesity has negative influences on one's quality of life. Obese people tend to have limited mobility. They experience physical discomfort and chronic fatigue caused by decreased physical stamina. Examples of such problems are sleep apnea and osteoarthritis.
Citations & References:
http://www.obesity.org/information/weight_bias.asp(accessed March 11, 2008).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anorexia_nervosa(accessed March 11, 2008).
http://www.obesityfocused.com/articles/effects-of-obesity/index.php(accessed March 11, 2008).
http://www.obesityfocused.com/articles/effects-of-obesity/first-impressions-and-obesity.php(accessed March 11, 2008).
http://www.obesityfocused.com/articles/effects-of-obesity/fatigue-and-mobility-issues.php(accessed March 11, 2008).
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/464914(accessed March 11, 2008).