Obesity Stigma: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Solutions

Susannah Westbury, Oyinlola Oyebode, VanRens. Thijs and Thomas M Barber
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Susannah Westbury: School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University
Oyinlola Oyebode: Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London
VanRens. Thijs: Department of Economics, University of Warwick
Thomas M Barber: Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick,

The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) from University of Warwick, Department of Economics

Abstract: This review aims to examine (i) the aetiology of obesity ; (ii) how and why a perception of personal responsibility for obesity so dominantly frames this condition and how this mindset leads to stigma ; (iii) the consequences of obesity stigma for people living with obesity, and for the public support for interventions to prevent and manage this condition ; and (iv) potential strategies to diminish our focus on personal responsibility for the development of obesity, to enable a reduction of obesity stigma, and to move towards effective interventions to prevent and manage obesity within the population. Recent Findings We summarise literature which shows that obesity stems from a complex interplay of genetic and environment factors most of which are outside an individual’s control. Despite this, evidence of obesity stigmatisation remains abundant throughout areas of media, entertainment, social media and the internet, advertising, news outlets, and the political and public health landscape. This has damaging consequences including psychological, physical, and socioeconomic harm. Summary Obesity stigma does not prevent obesity. A combined, concerted, and sustained effort from multiple stakeholders and key decision-makers within society is required to dispel myths around personal responsibility for body weight, and to foster more empathy for people living in larger bodies. This also sets the scene for more effective policies and interventions, targeting the social and environmental drivers of health, to ultimately improve population health.

Keywords: Public health; Obesity bias; Obesity stigma; Provider bias; Weight discrimination; Weight stigma (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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