Obesity and Shame — Letters that should have been in the new york times

9.9.23

To the editor:

Aaron Carroll highlights the pernicious role of shame for many people suffering from depression and/or obesity (9.9.23, What obesity drugs and antidepressants have in common). For many individuals the presence of medication to treat these conditions ‘medicalizes’ them and in so doing decreases both stigma and shame. They can consider that they are stricken by a condition rather than defined by it. When benevolence and compassion are cultivated (rather than harsh judgement), people can take an increasingly active role in their care because they feel deserving of relief. As shame reflects, at least in part, the internalization of societal values, we all benefit from doing what we can to show kindness to those suffering with these conditions.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry S. Sandberg