 |
|
Heightened Weighing Discomfort Among Women May Increase Their Health Risks, Penn Study Indicates
February 29, 2008PHILADELPHIA -- A new study from the University of Pennsylvania points to increased health risks for women owing to their higher level of discomfort about being weighed in public.
The study showed that college-age females, more than their male counterparts, experience high degrees of discomfort at the prospect of being weighed in the presence of others.
The study's authors believe that some women may avoid necessary tests and treatments when a doctor visit includes a step on a public scale.
"Weighing concern may make these women, particularly those who are overweight and already at risk for certain ailments, less likely to visit a doctor," said Andrew B. Geier, lead author and a doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology in the Penn School of Arts and Sciences. "Hopefully, this data will show the great advantage that can be had with just a small, inexpensive change in clinic policy: weighing patients in private."
The study also revealed that observers generally overestimate women's weight while women tend to believe that people are underestimating their weight due to slimming clothes or cosmetics. This means that, while women in the study demonstrated they do not want people to know their weight, their true weight was lower than others' estimates and a public weighing would correct the misperception.
Due to the increasing cost of health care, medical clinics, especially those serving poorer communities, constantly look for ways to cut costs. One common practice is to designate public space in the clinic-, often a well-trafficked hallway, , to be suitable for weighings. Routine clinic practice has reduced the number of scales as well. In light of this new research, it is possible, in fact the authors believe likely, that women may skip free, potentially life-saving tests, such as mammograms, rather than face the embarrassment of public weighing.
The study tested a series of hypotheses designed to explain why women reported a much larger degree of discomfort than men did. In multiple questionnaires, females showed no more sensitivity to general embarrassment than did males, nor more sensitivity to public displays of other personal information. Neither did the discomfort come from the physical act of being weighed. These other possibilities were tested to ensure that the authors' original hypothesis was correct, that the public revealing of weight makes women so uncomfortable.
In addition, the study concludes that a partial source of female discomfort comes from the participants' own sense that they are overweight. Study participants rated discomfort levels over a variety of weight-related scenarios. The more dissatisfied a female was with her weight, the greater the discomfort she experienced when being weighed. But even the very concept of weight, tested by assigning some participants to wear a badge bearing the single word, "Weight," caused elevated levels of discomfort because it drew unwanted attention to what is considered an unflattering personal attribute for women.
"The real danger here is the heavier a person is, the more discomfort they feel and thus the more likely they may find reasons to skip appointments," Geier said. "These may be the very people that need access to these clinics the most. If a person knows that he or she is going to be provided privacy during the weighing process, that could be a major relief, thereby tipping the scales to get them to go and get these potentially life-saving tests."
The study, to be published in the upcoming issue of the journal Appetite, included 292 females and 190 males. The research was performed by Geier and Paul Rozin of the Penn Department of Psychology, which supported the study.
University of Pennsylvania
"Weighing concern may make these women, particularly those who are overweight and already at risk for certain ailments, less likely to visit a doctor," said Andrew B. Geier, lead author and a doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology in the Penn School of Arts and Sciences. "Hopefully, this data will show the great advantage that can be had with just a small, inexpensive change in clinic policy: weighing patients in private."
The study also revealed that observers generally overestimate women's weight while women tend to believe that people are underestimating their weight due to slimming clothes or cosmetics. This means that, while women in the study demonstrated they do not want people to know their weight, their true weight was lower than others' estimates and a public weighing would correct the misperception.
Due to the increasing cost of health care, medical clinics, especially those serving poorer communities, constantly look for ways to cut costs. One common practice is to designate public space in the clinic-, often a well-trafficked hallway, , to be suitable for weighings. Routine clinic practice has reduced the number of scales as well. In light of this new research, it is possible, in fact the authors believe likely, that women may skip free, potentially life-saving tests, such as mammograms, rather than face the embarrassment of public weighing.
The study tested a series of hypotheses designed to explain why women reported a much larger degree of discomfort than men did. In multiple questionnaires, females showed no more sensitivity to general embarrassment than did males, nor more sensitivity to public displays of other personal information. Neither did the discomfort come from the physical act of being weighed. These other possibilities were tested to ensure that the authors' original hypothesis was correct, that the public revealing of weight makes women so uncomfortable.
In addition, the study concludes that a partial source of female discomfort comes from the participants' own sense that they are overweight. Study participants rated discomfort levels over a variety of weight-related scenarios. The more dissatisfied a female was with her weight, the greater the discomfort she experienced when being weighed. But even the very concept of weight, tested by assigning some participants to wear a badge bearing the single word, "Weight," caused elevated levels of discomfort because it drew unwanted attention to what is considered an unflattering personal attribute for women.
"The real danger here is the heavier a person is, the more discomfort they feel and thus the more likely they may find reasons to skip appointments," Geier said. "These may be the very people that need access to these clinics the most. If a person knows that he or she is going to be provided privacy during the weighing process, that could be a major relief, thereby tipping the scales to get them to go and get these potentially life-saving tests."
The study, to be published in the upcoming issue of the journal Appetite, included 292 females and 190 males. The research was performed by Geier and Paul Rozin of the Penn Department of Psychology, which supported the study.
University of Pennsylvania
Health Risk Current Events and Health Risk News RSSWomen Can Quit Smoking and Control Weight Gain
Many women don't quit smoking because they are afraid of gaining weight. That's because nicotine suppresses the appetite and boosts a smoker's metabolism.
Consumption of certain fish during pregnancy associated with poorer cognitive performance
Children who eat fish more than 3 times per week show a worse performance in the general cognitive, executive and perceptual-manipulative areas.
DNA barcodes: Creative new uses span health, fraud, smuggling, history, more
The scientific ability to quickly and accurately identify species through DNA "barcoding" is being embraced and applied by a growing legion of global authorities - from medical and agricultural researchers to police and customs authorities to palaeontologists and others.
Extra care for outwardly healthy workers costs companies millions annually
Someone healthy enough to work could still cost an employer more than $4,000 annually in unnecessary health care costs.
Redefining obesity's health risks
The body mass index (BMI) has long been the yardstick in deciding who is at risk because of their weight. BMI is essentially a measure of density, identifying 'under-' and 'over-weight' risk groups.
Carbon monoxide linked to heart problems in elderly
Exposure to carbon monoxide, even at levels well below national limits, is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for the elderly with heart problems, according to a study published today in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
A double-threat to teen health
As teens head back to school, health teachers may want to revise their lesson plans. Temple researchers have found that kids who engage in heavy drinking will more than likely also engage in heavy smoking, and they say educators can help combat the trend by addressing both topics as one health risk.
Study: Cigarette packaging still misleading consumers over health hazards
New research suggests that current regulations have failed to remove misleading information from cigarette packaging, revealing that a substantial majority of consumers believe cigarettes are less hazardous when the packs display words such as "silver" or "smooth," lower numbers incorporated into the brand name, lighter colours or pictures of filters.
When children have breathing problems
Increasing numbers of children around the world are suffering from respiratory problems - coughing, wheezing and asthma attacks.
PTSD associated with higher Alzheimer's/dementia risk; moderate alcohol consumption may lower it
Though discoveries about Alzheimer's disease risk factors are often in the news, adults do not know about the relationship between Alzheimer's disease risk and heart health, nor that physical activity can be protective against dementia.
More Health Risk Current Events and Health Risk News Articles
 |
Risk Management Handbook for Health Care Organizations, Student Edition (J-B Public Health/Health Services Text) by American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM) (Author), Roberta Carroll (Editor) This comprehensive textbook provides a complete introduction to risk management in health care. Risk Management Handbook, Student Edition, covers general risk management techniques; standards of health care risk management administration; federal, state and local laws; and methods for integrating patient safety and enterprise risk management into a comprehensive risk management program. The Student Edition is applicable to all health care settings including acute care hospital to hospice, and long term care. Written for students and those new to the topic, each chapter highlights key points and learning objectives, lists key terms, and offers questions for discussion. An instructor's supplement with cases and other material is also available. |
 |
Lung Cancer: A Risk for Smokers and Non-smokers (Home Use) In the United States approximately 170,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer annually. In this program, we'll explore the challenges patients living with lung cancer face everyday. While smoking is a major risk factor for many patients with lung cancer, non-smokers are also at risk. With advancements in chemotherapy and targeted therapies many patients with lung cancer are living longer fuller lives - making the goal of reaching and surpassing the 5-year survival mark more of a reality. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Kidney Now! Also With: Lorne Michaels (Producer), Tina Fey (Producer), Marci Klein (Producer), David Miner (Producer), Robert Carlock (Producer) |
 |
What Are the Health Risks? Byron Harvey (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Arctic Essentials Omega-3 Lower Heart Disease Risk by Urban Nutrition Arctic Essentials is a safe, mercury-free Omega-3 supplement that provides all of the heart-healthy benefits of eating deep sea fish, but with none of the drawbacks, including impurities, odor and taste. |
 |
Degree Men's Ultra Clear Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Stick, Cool Rush, 2.7 oz (76 g), (Pack of 4) by Degree Men. Body responsive. Made in U.S.A. |
 |
Handbook of Breast Cancer Risk-Assessment (PDA/Win CE Software for download only) by Skyscape |
![Nova Presents: Search for a Safe Cigarette (Is the Tobacco Industry Really Trying to Reduce Health Risks?) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41K6S2VN7NL._SL160_.jpg) |
Nova Presents: Search for a Safe Cigarette (Is the Tobacco Industry Really Trying to Reduce Health Risks?) [VHS] Starring: Jackie Mow, Alan Ritsko, Paula S. Apsell Directed By: Carl Charison, Liev Schreiber With unprecedented access to tobacco research and manufacturing facilities, NOVA takes a rare look inside the tobacco industry and its attempts to create a safer cigarette. Trace the little-known history of "reduced risk" cigarettes, explore America’s love affair with smoking, and examine efforts by the tobacco industry to confront its toxic products. |
 |
UV Meter + Thermometer Card by Generic This UV Card Meter is an essential device for people who often goes to beach for sunbathing or outdoor activities. Indicates both temperature and UV index simultaneously anywhere, anytime, so you can take appropriate prevention measures.
Measures current UV intensity within 3 seconds
|
 |
Risk Management in Health Care Institutions, Second Edition: A Strategic Approach by Florence Kavaler (Author) Risk management for health care institutions involves the protection of the assets of the organizations, agencies, and individual providers from liability. A strategic approach can result in significant cost savings. Risk Management in Health Care Institutions: A Strategic Approach offers governing boards, chief executive officers, administrators, and health profession students the opportunity to organize and devise a successful risk management program. Experts in risk management have contributed comprehensive, up-to-date syntheses of relevant topics to assist with practical risk management strategies. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |