What You’ll Learn:

• How and where weight stigma happens
• The impact of weight stigma on health and well-being
• Steps we can take to challenge it

Obesity is associated with unfair judgments and stigma, and many people living with obesity face discrimination from others. Over time this can be reflected inwards, changing an individual’s feeling towards themselves. 

The Harm of Weight Stigma

Weight stigma occurs due to weight bias, or negative perceptions. Common assumptions are that obesity is simply the result of poor lifestyle choices, lack of willpower and low intelligence and is associated with unattractiveness and bad hygiene. Obesity is a chronic condition, caused by multiple different factors, many beyond an individual’s control. These false beliefs lead to people being labelled and stereotyped, result in discrimination in many areas of life:

• At work or school: Being overlooked for opportunities or promotions.
• Socially: Facing exclusion, bullying or hurtful comments.
• In healthcare: Being judged by healthcare professionals, having health concerns dismissed and experiencing healthcare settings that do not cater for people with obesity.
• In close relationships: Stigmatising comments are commonly experienced in personal relationships and can be particularly hurtful
• In the media: Weight prejudice is extremely common in the media, from children’s shows, to news reports blaming people with obesity for global events. Most images of people with larger bodies are negative or dehumanising, showing bodies without faces.

The impact of this stigma is enduring and can be overwhelming for people living with obesity. Many people start to believe these negative views about themselves (known as internalising), leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, or depression. Sadly, this can create vicious cycles where, for example, fear of judgment makes people avoid healthcare settings. This only worsens health and self-esteem, leading to poorer health outcomes.

Stigma in Healthcare

In healthcare, weight stigma can be particularly damaging. People living with obesity may be more easily dismissed by healthcare professionals, with their health issues blamed on their weight. Negative stereotypes can also be associated by physicians, who can perceive the patient as less deserving or worthy of healthcare. This can lead to:

• Missed diagnoses
• Delayed treatment
• Reluctance to seek medical help

In addition, healthcare settings often do not accommodate people with large bodies, for example equipment (e.g. blood pressure cuffs, chairs) or gowns may not be appropriately sized. 

These lead to negative experiences that can have long-term consequences, making it even harder for individuals to prioritise their health. Everyone deserves respectful, fair healthcare where their concerns are heard and addressed.

How to Challenge Weight Stigma

Breaking the cycle of weight stigma requires understanding, compassion, and action. Here’s how we can all play a part in reducing stigma in society and within ourselves.

1. Understand obesity as a chronic condition

Obesity is influenced by many factors, including genetics, your biology, your environment, and access to healthy food. Understanding this can help you treat yourself and others with kindness. It’s not a matter of "willpower" - recognise the many elements at play. There is a need to move away from a weight-focused approach to clinical care, to a health-focused approach.

2. Use respectful language

The words we use matter. Patients have reported that using language like "living with obesity" rather than "severely obese" to put the person first helps reduce stigma and avoids defining someone by their weight.

If you’re not sure how someone would like their condition referred to - ask them.

3. For those living with obesity, practice self-compassion

Be kind to yourself if you are struggling to manage excess weight. Self-criticism can do more harm than good. Instead of focusing on your flaws, recognise your strengths and celebrate any progress towards better health. Your health is about more than weight.

4. Focus on positive habits

Shift the focus to healthy behaviours that help you feel good. This might include:

• Balanced eating: Enjoy a range of foods, like fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and culturally familiar staples.
• Regular movement: Move your body in ways that feel enjoyable, like walking, dancing, or stretching.
• Stress management: Prioritise activities that help you feel calm, such as meditation, hobbies, or getting high-quality sleep.

These actions promote health and well-being, regardless of any change on the scales.

5. Encourage body positivity

Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and health can look different for everyone. Focus on appreciating your body for its strength, resilience, and uniqueness. You don’t need to meet a specific image of "health" to be worthy of respect.

Summary

Weight stigma isn’t just about words - it can prevent people from getting the care, support, and empathy they need to live full, healthy lives. By educating ourselves, challenging stereotypes, and using kind, respectful language, we can help reduce the impact of stigma on individuals and society.

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, no matter their size, background, or circumstances. If we all play our part in reducing stigma, we can create a more understanding, compassionate world for everyone.

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