Health professionals, family members and strangers have been identified as key sources of stigma for individuals who are overweight and obese, however, with an increasingly online world, sources of stigma may be more widespread (e.g., social media).
Experiences of weight stigma have been shown to contribute to negative physical, psychological, and behavioural health outcomes. It can lead to individuals avoiding positive health behaviours like seeking health advice or utilising health facilities from a fear of being stigmatised and internalising attitudes. Research has shown weight stigma can also impact eating habits for some individuals.
It is important to understand the nuances in how various types of weight stigma changes across different weight categories and for whom. If we are to reduce weight stigma at the population level, we need to understand the complex interplay between the various sources of weight stigma and bias that have negative impacts on individuals and populations.
