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The weight of rumor.

  • Published In: American Anthropologist, 2025, v. 127, n. 2. P. 244 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Bunkley, Emma Nelson 3 of 3

Abstract

In Senegal, Type II diabetes often causes rapid weight loss. Weight loss is usually the reason women will finally seek out a biomedical diagnosis for their ailment. Loss of weight has many negative connotations for Senegalese women—HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, financial troubles, or an unhappy marriage. When women lose weight, they become the subject of rumors and gossip in their communities. This leads to isolation. Research has shown that isolation has deleterious mental health effects, especially in places as communal as Senegal. Worsening mental health can also exacerbate diabetes. This article explores Senegalese women's experiences with weight loss due to Type II diabetes and the effects their weight loss, in addition to their diabetes, has on their lived experience and their social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:American Anthropologist. 2025/06, Vol. 127, Issue 2, p244
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0002-7294
  • DOI:10.1111/aman.28053
  • Accession Number:185103407
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of American Anthropologist is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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