Obese discrimination 'leads to worse health problems'

Discrimination against obese people could directly impact on their health, research has shown, possibly making them more likely to require home care or assisted living.

Researchers at Purdue University found that when obese people have negative interactions socially or feel discriminated against, it contributes to their declining physical health.

Study leader Markus H Schafer said that around one-third of severely obese people in the US reported discriminatory experience, with this playing into people's own perspective about their weight.

He explained that being overweight is a significant risk factor for being obese, which then puts people at risk of serious health conditions such as cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

In other news, those who are looking to find a care home should talk to a resident of the centre they are considering, one expert has said.

Daniel Blake, policy development manager at Action on Elder Abuse, said that by asking a resident about the food and activities at the care home, they could find out how personalised the service is.

Find the nearest Barchester nursing home