Ethnic Stereotypes May Influence Obesity Among Minorities

Could stereotypes influence obesity? Scientists have found that both racial and ethnic stereotypes may just contribute to obesity among minorities.

Minorities are often exposed to negative stereotypes in society. In this case, the researchers examined different racial groups and ethnicities within the United States, including Latinos and whites. The scientists found that Latinos were significantly more likely than whites to agree that negative stereotypes commonly used to describe Hispanics actually applied to them.

"When you are exposed to negative stereotypes, you may gravitate more toward unhealthy foods as opposed to healthy foods," said Luis Rivera, one of the researchers, in a news release. "You may have a less positive attitude toward watching your carbs or cutting back on fast food, and toward working out and exercising."

Demeaning stereotypes come from many sources, such as television and other mass media. What's more interesting is the fact that the individuals in the study were nearly identical, other than ethnicity. They lived in the same neighborhood, had comparable incomes and had similar access to healthy foods. They also were asked the same questions.

According to Rivera, there is evidence that Latinos born in the United States tend to have a poorer self-image than many recent Hispanic immigrants. This suggests that stereotypes ingrained in U.S. culture are especially potent.

Yet there are ways to overcome stereotypes.

"It has been shown that when you remind people what they're good at, it works to immunize them from the effect of stereotypes," said Rivera. "It releases their anxieties and allows them to focus on the task before them and perform to their ability."

The findings are published in the Journal of Social Issues.