Gyms

According to a survey conducted in 2009 by the George Washington University Medical Center, obese people feel alienated and insecure in traditional gyms. They are surrounded by fit, slim bodies and feel they are being judged. The survey further reveals that overweight gym-goers have issues exercising around health club employees, younger gym members and people who are athletic. Overweight Caucasian women are most likely to feel intimidated by gyms, and the intensity of this feeling is proportionate to the size of the person.

Exercise Professionals

In 2004, the Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas examined attitudes of exercise science students toward obese people. The findings showed that prejudices do exist in the industry. The study determined that the students felt overweight people had a "bad attitude" toward exercise and were lazy in their approach to fitness. Discrimination by the very people who are assigned to promote exercise can have detrimental effects on obese gym-goers trying to improve their health.

Social Attitudes

Misconceptions about why people are overweight often lead to negative public attitudes toward obese adults. Average Americans frequently blame obesity on lack of willpower, weakness and laziness. Rather than encouraging and providing support, the social network of overweight people often reflects public opinion. In an article published by "Newsweek" in 2009, Marlene Schwartz, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University, states that "people are less likely to seek out healthy behaviors when they're criticized by friends, family, doctors, and others."

Solutions

Anderson told the "Chicago Tribune" that some gyms want to be famous for attracting fit and slim bodies, shunning the very people who need exercise the most. New clubs and programs, however, are springing up exclusively for the obese client. The goal is to encourage overweight adults to work out in a nonthreatening and comfortable environment. Facilities like Downsize Fitness are aimed at removing social stigmas and getting obese adults back to the gym, while the Momenta program in the U.K. strives to combat obesity by promoting psychological well-being alsongside diet and exercise.