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Cited by 30Obesity and Health PracticesPharmacology and Obesity TreatmentBariatric Surgery and Outcomes

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The Impact of Novel Medications for Obesity on Weight Stigma and Societal Attitudes: A Narrative Review

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Heitmann, Berit L.·2025·Current Obesity Reports
DOI 10.1007/s13679-025-00611-5PMC PMC11799028
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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review examines the potential implications of the expanded use of novel medications for obesity, particularly the GLP-1 receptor agonists, on weight stigma and societal attitudes towards pharmacologically induced weight loss. It analyses how these medications may potentially contribute to both reducing and exacerbating stigma and discusses strategies to reduce weight bias. RECENT FINDINGS: The introduction of GLP-1 receptor agonists has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing weight and lead to improved health outcomes for individuals living with obesity. However, while these medications may reduce stigma by framing obesity as a medical issue rather than a personal failure, disparities in access and use related to high costs may inflate existing biases against those who cannot afford treatment. Also, a few studies indicate that users of these medications may feel stigmatised for taking what is perceived as an "easy way out" to lose weight, mirroring historical attitudes towards bariatric surgery. The new medications for obesity may have the potential to reduce obesity stigma by reframing it as a medical condition rather than a moral failing. However, taking legal actions to build a more inclusive society including ensuring equitable access to these medications will be essential in mitigating stigma and help fostering a supportive environment for those living with obesity. Lessons from reducing stigma surrounding other medical conditions suggest that supportive health care and educational campaigns that promote the understanding of obesity as a complex health issue are needed to reshape negative perceptions towards individuals with obesity.

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Metadata

Authors
Heitmann, B. L.
Affiliations
University of Copenhagen (DK)
Corresponding author
Heitmann, Berit L.
ORCID
Heitmann, Berit L.
Venue
Current Obesity Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2025-02-05
Volume
14
Issue
1
Pages
18-18
ISSN
2162-4968 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1007/s13679-025-00611-5
PMC
PMC11799028
OpenAlex
W4407151255
Cited by
30
References
6
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 12
FWCI
3.05
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Current Obesity Reports (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research at the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity and Health Practices
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology (medical) › Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes
Keywords
obesity, weight stigma, GLP-1 receptor agonists, anti-obesity drugs, weight bias, social attitudes, pharmacological weight loss, access to treatment, bariatric surgery, stigma reduction, health equity
MeSH terms
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists, Humans, Obesity, Stereotyping, Weight Loss, Anti-Obesity Agents, Social Stigma

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