Get answers to the question: What is weight stigma?
See what studies and health pros say are the real-world impacts of fat bias.
These examples only scratch the surface of how far stigma reaches and what it can look like.
And considering the emotional and physical ramifications, we need to talk about it more.
What is weight stigma?
Even worse, weight stigma has inherent and horribleroots in racismand other forms of oppression.
regional nutrition director atEating Recovery Center
That discrimination is still rampant today.
The effects of weight stigma are real and far-reaching (more on this below).
Societys perception that a thin body is the ideal body is what ultimately drives weight stigma, Nesbitt explains.
These examples only scratch the surface.
But in reality, weight is not a sole determinant of health.
Knowing what weight stigma looks like can help you identify it when it happens and learn how to cope.
Even just interacting or being next to someone who is living with obesity can have detrimental consequences.
That judgment may be unspoken, but its still there and noticeable.
Think about the friend who talks about how horrible a celebrity looks after gaining weight.
regional nutrition director atEating Recovery Center
What does that say about how they view friends with similar body sizes?
In the media
Theexamplesare endless here, too.
This is only a start.
And yet, weight discrimination is present even in those configs.
Here are some red flags thatyour doctor has weight bias.
Weight stigma extends to insurance, too.
Or maybe while on a rollercoaster or plane, you felt smushed?
The messaging here is that these spaces are not for larger bodies, Feller says.
And thats only a start.
The effects of weight stigma
Bias against a persons weightwhether implicit or explicithas harmful effects.
They [people in larger bodies] are subject to micro and macro aggressions, Feller says.
It can have a negative impact on mental health and the provision of quality care.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Weight stigma is about how our society sees and treats thin people better on levels both big and small.
Here are just some examples of the negative impact weight stigma has on people with larger bodies.
Unfortunately, thats understandable.
Weight stigma affects all areas of a persons livelihood, and that can easily discourage someone.
Being in abusive or toxic relationships
Nesbitt has found the sameand moreto be true.
Some doctors basically encourage eating disorder behaviors, which are harmful and unsafe regardless of body size.
This often leads to weight cycling, which she notes hasincreased rates of mortality.
In a way, it affects us all, especially if and when our bodies change.
So, how can we cope and make the world better?
This way, people will hopefully realize the harms of weight stigma and how its not rooted in truth.
As a starting point, she recommends takingHarvards Implicit Association Testand reflecting on the results.
What biases do you hold without even realizing?
It also promotes compassionate care, bodily autonomy, informed consent, addressing anti-fat bias, and more.
you could also diversify your social media feed withinfluencers who talk about being fit and curvy.
Facebook groups, subreddits, and Instagram accounts can be helpful places to go.
Nangia urges you to not let those thoughts win.
And its harmful and degrading.
Set boundaries
Know you are more than allowed to say what is and isnt okay with you.
You are worthy of love, respect, and kindness, no matter your size.
Health care configs
A big focus here is separating weight and health since the two arent synonymous.
Manyfactors determine a persons health, including environment, SES, discrimination, early childhood development, and more.
One crucial step to making this change is waving goodbye to BMI.
There also needs to be clear public health messaging separating weight loss and health.
That public health messagingand further, action from insurance companies regarding itis crucial, too.
Weight loss drugs and diet pills can increase the risk ofgastrointestinal issuesandheart problems.
One recent example isa piece ofPenelopes storyline in season three of Bridgerton.
Lee, K. M., Hunger, J. M., & Tomiyama, A. J.
Weight stigma and health behaviors: evidence from the Eating in America Study.International Journal of Obesity,vol.
45, 2021, pp.
Ginde, Adit A., et al.
2, 2012, pp.
Puhl, Rebecca M., and Chelsea A. Heuer.
The Stigma of Obesity: A Review and Update.Obesity,vol.
5, 2009, pp.
Hatzenbuehler, Mark L., Katherine M. Keyes, and Deborah S. Hasin.
Associations Between Perceived Weight Discrimination and the Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in the General Population.Obesity,vol.
11, 2009, pp.
Weight Stigma as a Risk Factor for Suicidality.International Journal of Obesity,vol.
44, 2020, pp.
Tomiyama, A. Janet.
Weight Stigma is Stressful: A Review of Evidence for the Cyclic Obesity/Weight-Based Stigma Model.Appetite,vol.
82, 1 November 2014, pp.
Hunger, Jeffrey M., Alison Blodorn, Carol T. Miller, and Brenda Major.
The Psychological and Physiological Effects of Interacting with an Anti-Fat Peer.Body Image,vol.
27, December 2018, pp.
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