Cited by 654Obesity and Health PracticesEating Disorders and BehaviorsObesity, Physical Activity, Diet

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Health Consequences of Weight Stigma: Implications for Obesity Prevention and Treatment

Puhl, Rebecca, Suh, Young·2015·Current Obesity Reports

Abstract

Despite decades of research documenting consistent stigma and discrimination against individuals with obesity, weight stigma is rarely considered in obesity prevention and treatment efforts. In recent years, evidence has examined weight stigmatization as a unique contributor to negative health outcomes and behaviors that can promote and exacerbate obesity. This review summarizes findings from published studies within the past 4 years examining the relationship between weight stigma and maladaptive eating behaviors (binge eating and increased food consumption), physical activity, weight status (weight gain and loss and development of obesity), and physiological stress responses. Research evaluating the effects of weight stigma present in obesity-related public health campaigns is also highlighted. Evidence collectively demonstrates negative implications of stigmatization for weight-related health correlates and behaviors and suggests that addressing weight stigma in obesity prevention and treatment is warranted. Key questions for future research to further delineate the health effects of weight stigmatization are summarized.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s13679-015-0153-z

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  • Both observational and randomized-controlled studies show that public health strategies that embrace stigmatization can result in the opposite effect, and may instead induce exercise avoidance, consumption of unhealthy diets, increased sedentary behaviors, leading to poor metabolic health, increased weight gain, and reduced quality of life.

    “Both observational and randomized-controlled studies show that these strategies can result in the opposite effect, and may instead induce exercise avoidance, consumption of unhealthy diets, and increased sedentary behaviors1–3, leading to poor metabolic health, increased weight gain56,57, and reduced quality of life57.”

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Research works printed but not linked: 71

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Metadata

Authors
Puhl, R., & Suh, Y.
Affiliations
University of Connecticut (US)
Corresponding author
Puhl, Rebecca
Venue
Current Obesity Reports
Published
2015-04-01
Volume
4
Issue
2
Pages
182-190
ISSN
2162-4968 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2033341701
Cited by
654
References
4
Citations by year
2026: 72 · 2025: 82 · 2024: 66 · 2023: 76 · 2022: 55 · 2021: 75 · 2020: 77 · 2019: 55 · 2018: 38 · 2017: 32 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 3
FWCI
3.86
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Current Obesity Reports (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Rudd Foundation
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity and Health Practices
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
Keywords
weight stigma, obesity, obesity prevention, obesity treatment, binge eating, dietary intake, physical activity, weight gain, weight loss, physiological stress response
MeSH terms
Eating, Feeding Behavior, Humans, Hyperphagia, Obesity, Self Concept, Stereotyping, Stress, Physiological, Stress, Psychological, Binge-Eating Disorder, Social Stigma

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