Attitudes toward obesity have varied widely both across and within cultures at various historical times. There is evidence that this cultural variation is giving way to an increasing weight stigma, even in cultures around the globe that have previously had very positive values attached to larger body size. Yet at the same time, demographics and health research indicate more and more people across most cultures are becoming obese at an alarming rate.

Do you think the spread of negative views of people who are overweight or obese is a good thing or a bad thing for these cultures? Explain your answer from both a physical health and also a psychological health perspective.