Obesity Stigma: Important Considerations for Public Health

TLDR

Weight stigma is widespread, harming obese individuals psychologically and physically, yet its public health impact is largely overlooked and often justified as a motivator for healthier behavior. The study reviews evidence to challenge these assumptions and explore their public health implications. The authors conclude that weight stigma harms health, creates disparities, undermines obesity interventions, and should be addressed as a social justice and public health priority.

Abstract

Stigma and discrimination toward obese persons are pervasive and pose numerous consequences for their psychological and physical health. Despite decades of science documenting weight stigma, its public health implications are widely ignored. Instead, obese persons are blamed for their weight, with common perceptions that weight stigmatization is justifiable and may motivate individuals to adopt healthier behaviors. We examine evidence to address these assumptions and discuss their public health implications. On the basis of current findings, we propose that weight stigma is not a beneficial public health tool for reducing obesity. Rather, stigmatization of obese individuals threatens health, generates health disparities, and interferes with effective obesity intervention efforts. These findings highlight weight stigma as both a social justice issue and a priority for public health.