Weight stigma as a psychosocial contributor to obesity.
Abstract
Weight stigma is a key aspect of the lived experience of individuals with obesity, and adversely affects health. This article provides an overview of recent evidence examining links between experiences of weight stigma and weight-related behaviors and health (e.g., maladaptive eating, physical activity, stress, obesity, weight loss), including health consequences for individuals with heightened vulnerability to weight stigma (e.g., youth and people seeking bariatric surgery) and implications for clinicians working with individuals who have obesity. This literature points to weight stigma as a psychosocial contributor to obesogenic behaviors, yet the role of weight stigma in weight loss among treatment-seeking individuals has received little attention. Research priorities are identified, including the need for future studies to (a) determine the potentially predictive value of specific characteristics of weight-stigmatizing experiences for weight loss (such as the time period, interpersonal sources, and coping responses for stigma experiences), (b) identify mechanisms through which weight stigma may undermine or facilitate weight-related treatment outcomes, and (c) test strategies that can be implemented in weight management programs to reduce the negative impact of weight stigma on health behaviors. Broadly, more attention should be directed to weight stigma in the obesity field as a relevant psychosocial factor in obesity-focused prevention and treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Individuals with obesity are disproportionately affected by societal stigma and often face bias from healthcare professionals.
“Additionally, individuals with obesity are disproportionately affected by societal stigma and often face bias from healthcare professionals [11, 12, 13, 14].”
From A Qualitative Analysis of Patient Experiences Using Semaglutide 2.4 mg for Weight Loss (2025) · cites this paper as [12]
Women's appraisal of their body image and quality of life are negatively impacted by obesity.
“Women's appraisal of their body image and quality of life are also negatively impacted by obesity. 11 , 22 , 23”
From Positive psychological well-being in women with obesity: A scoping review of qualitative and quantitative primary research (2022) · cites this paper as [11]
Weight stigma can serve as a psychosocial contributor to obesogenic behaviours.
“Thus, weight stigma can serve as a psychosocial contributor to obesogenic behaviours.145”
From Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity (2025) · cites this paper as [145]
Weight stigma affects people with obesity and can lead to delayed help-seeking, trouble finding social support, and impeded weight loss maintenance.
“Such negative stereotypes because of body weight, better termed “weight stigma”, affect people with obesity; persons feeling ashamed or embarrassed may hesitate to seek timely professional help, may have trouble finding needed social support, and can impede weight loss maintenance [19].”
From Advantages and Limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) to Assess Adult Obesity (2024) · cites this paper as [19]
Cites
2013 AHA/ACC/TOS Guideline for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
Jensen, M. D., Ryan, D. H., Apovian, C. M., Ard, J. D., Comuzzie, A. G., Donato, K. A., Hu, F. B., Hubbard, V. S., Jakicic, J. M., Kushner, R. F., et al. (2014) · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2013.11.004 · Cited by 4,058 · see citing works
The Stigma of Obesity: A Review and Update
Puhl, R. M., & Heuer, C. A. (2009) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2008.636 · Cited by 3,323 · cited 2× · see citing works
“…including assumptions that people with overweight or obesity are lazy, gluttonous, lacking in willpower and selfdiscipline, incompetent, unmotivated to improve their health, noncompliant with medical treatment, and are personally to blame for their higher body weight (Puhl & Heuer, 2009).”
BackgroundSelf-citationGlobal burden of obesity in 2005 and projections to 2030
Kelly, T., Yang, W., Chen, C.-S., Reynolds, K., & He, J. (2008) · International Journal of Obesity · doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.102 · Cited by 3,319 · see citing works
The Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Climate Change: The Lancet Commission report
Swinburn, B. A., Kraak, V. I., Allender, S., Atkins, V. J., Baker, P. I., Bogard, J. R., Brinsden, H., Calvillo, A., De Schutter, O., Devarajan, R., et al. (2019) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(18)32822-8 · Cited by 3,081 · see citing works
Obesity Stigma: Important Considerations for Public Health
Puhl, R. M., & Heuer, C. A. (2010) · American Journal of Public Health · doi:10.2105/ajph.2009.159491 · Cited by 1,949 · see citing works
Self-citationLong-term weight loss maintenance
Wing, R. R., & Phelan, S. (2005) · The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition · doi:10.1093/ajcn/82.1.222s · Cited by 1,941 · cited 1× · see citing works
“…weight loss interventions (MacLean et al., 2015), there is a recognized need for more research attention to determine psychosocial factors that may help or hinder people in their adherence to behavioral strategies that promote weight management (MacLean et al., 2018; Wing & Phelan, 2005).”
BackgroundBody image: understanding body dissatisfaction in men, women, and children
(1999) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.37-0628 · Cited by 1,870 · see citing works
Wing, R. R., Lang, W., Wadden, T. A., Safford, M., Knowler, W. C., Bertoni, A. G., Hill, J. O., Brancati, F. L., Peters, A., Wagenknecht, L., et al. (2011) · Diabetes Care · doi:10.2337/dc10-2415 · Cited by 1,828 · see citing works
Hales, C. M., Fryar, C. D., Carroll, M. D., Freedman, D. S., & Ogden, C. L. (2018) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.2018.3060 · Cited by 1,761 · see citing works
Impact of weight bias and stigma on quality of care and outcomes for patients with obesity
Phelan, S. M., Burgess, D. J., Yeazel, M. W., Hellerstedt, W. L., Griffin, J. M., & van Ryn, M. (2015) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.12266 · Cited by 1,361 · see citing works
Pharmacological Management of Obesity: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Apovian, C. M., Aronne, L. J., Bessesen, D. H., McDonnell, M. E., Murad, M. H., Pagotto, U., Ryan, D. H., & Still, C. D. (2015) · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · doi:10.1210/jc.2014-3415 · Cited by 1,347 · see citing works
Weight and Metabolic Outcomes 12 Years after Gastric Bypass
Adams, T. D., Davidson, L. E., Litwin, S. E., Kim, J., Kolotkin, R. L., Nanjee, M. N., Gutierrez, J. M., Frogley, S. J., Ibele, A. R., Brinton, E. A., et al. (2017) · New England Journal of Medicine · doi:10.1056/nejmoa1700459 · Cited by 956 · see citing works
Puhl, R. M., Andreyeva, T., & Brownell, K. D. (2008) · International Journal of Obesity · doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.22 · Cited by 900 · see citing works
Self-citationObesity Pathogenesis: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement
Schwartz, M. W., Seeley, R. J., Zeltser, L. M., Drewnowski, A., Ravussin, E., Redman, L. M., & Leibel, R. L. (2017) · Endocrine Reviews · doi:10.1210/er.2017-00111 · Cited by 727 · see citing works
Understanding Self‐directed Stigma: Development of the Weight Bias Internalization Scale
Durso, L. E., & Latner, J. (2008) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2008.448 · Cited by 709 · see citing works
Weight stigma is stressful. A review of evidence for the Cyclic Obesity/Weight-Based Stigma model
Tomiyama, A. J. (2014) · Appetite · doi:10.1016/j.appet.2014.06.108 · Cited by 690 · see citing works
Changes in Perceived Weight Discrimination Among Americans, 1995–1996 Through 2004–2006
Andreyeva, T., Puhl, R., & Brownell, K. (2008) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2008.35 · Cited by 686 · see citing works
Self-citationAccelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention: Solving the Weight of the Nation
Glickman, D., Parker, L., Sim, L. J., Cook, H. D. V., & Miller, E. A. (2012) · Cited by 653 · see citing works
Impact of Bullying in Childhood on Adult Health, Wealth, Crime, and Social Outcomes
Dieter Wolke, C., Copeland, W., Angold, A. C., & Costello, E. J. (2013) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/0956797613481608 · Cited by 642 · see citing works
Weight bias internalization and health: a systematic review
Pearl, R. L., & Puhl, R. M. (2018) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.12701 · Cited by 642 · cited 2× · see citing works
“…findings across 10 studies show mixed findings with respect to the relationship between engagement in physical activity and IWB, and suggest that associations may be stronger for motivational aspects of physical activity like exercise self-efficacy or avoidance (see review by Pearl & Puhl, 2018).”
BackgroundResultSelf-citationStigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents With Obesity
Pont, S. J., Puhl, R. M., Cook, S. R., Slusser, W. M., OBESITY, S. O., & THE OBESITY SOCIETY (2017) · PEDIATRICS · doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3034 · Cited by 615 · see citing works
Self-citationLifestyle Modification for Obesity
Wadden, T. A., Webb, V. L., Moran, C. H., & Bailer, B. A. (2012) · Circulation · doi:10.1161/circulationaha.111.039453 · Cited by 573 · see citing works
NIH working group report: Innovative research to improve maintenance of weight loss
MacLean, P. S., Wing, R. R., Davidson, T. L., Epstein, L. H., Goodpaster, B. H., Hall, K. D., Levin, B. E., Perri, M. G., Rolls, B. J., ROSENBAUM, M. S., et al. (2014) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.20967 · Cited by 556 · see citing works
Wu, Y., & Berry, D. C. (2018) · Journal of Advanced Nursing · doi:10.1111/jan.13511 · Cited by 536 · see citing works
Patterns of implicit and explicit attitudes: I. Long-term change and stability from 2007 to 2016
Charlesworth, T. E. S., & Banaji, M. R. (2019) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/0956797618813087 · Cited by 466 · see citing works
Weinberger, N., Kersting, A., Riedel-Heller, S. G., & Luck‐Sikorski, C. (2016) · Obesity Facts · doi:10.1159/000454837 · Cited by 450 · see citing works
Sabin, J. A., Marini, M., & Nosek, B. A. (2012) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0048448 · Cited by 439 · see citing works
Rodriguez, A. C. I., Epel, E. S., White, M. L., Standen, E. C., Seckl, J. R., & Tomiyama, A. J. (2015) · Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.08.014 · Cited by 422 · see citing works
Appearance-related teasing, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating: A meta-analysis
Menzel, J. E., Schaefer, L. M., Burke, N. L., Mayhew, L. L., Brannick, M. Τ., & Thompson, J. K. (2010) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.05.004 · Cited by 415 · see citing works
Weight Discrimination and Risk of Mortality
Sutin, A. R., Stephan, Y., & Terracciano, A. (2015) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/0956797615601103 · Cited by 399 · see citing works
Obesity and discrimination – a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Spahlholz, J., Baer, N., König, H., Riedel-Heller, S., & Luck-Sikorski, C. (2016) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.12343 · Cited by 379 · see citing works
The ironic effects of weight stigma
Major, B., Hunger, J. M., Bunyan, D. P., & Miller, C. T. (2013) · Journal of Experimental Social Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2013.11.009 · Cited by 373 · see citing works
Weight-Based Victimization Toward Overweight Adolescents: Observations and Reactions of Peers
Puhl, R. M., Luedicke, J., & Heuer, C. A. (2011) · Journal of School Health · doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00646.x · Cited by 359 · see citing works
Self-citationHaines, J., Neumark-Sztainer, D., Eisenberg, M. E., & Hannan, P. (2006) · Pediatrics · doi:10.1542/peds.2005-1242 · Cited by 340 · see citing works
Perceived Weight Discrimination and Obesity
Sutin, A. R., & Terracciano, A. (2013) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0070048 · Cited by 337 · see citing works
Hunger, J. M., Major, B., Blodorn, A., & Miller, C. T. (2015) · Social and Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/spc3.12172 · Cited by 332 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Collectively, these psychological and physiological mechanisms may negatively impact health and promote weight gain (Hunger et al., 2015).”
BackgroundPuhl, R. M., & Luedicke, J. (2011) · Journal of Youth and Adolescence · doi:10.1007/s10964-011-9713-z · Cited by 331 · see citing works
Self-citationComparative Effectiveness and Safety of Bariatric Procedures for Weight Loss: A PCORnet Cohort Study
Arterburn, D., Wellman, R., Emiliano, A., Smith, S. R., Odegaard, A. O., Murali, S., Williams, N., Coleman, K. J., Courcoulas, A., Coley, R. Y., et al. (2018) · Annals of Internal Medicine · doi:10.7326/m17-2786 · Cited by 317 · see citing works
Weight stigma and eating behavior: A review of the literature.
Vartanian, L., & Porter, A. M. (2016) · Appetite · doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.01.034 · Cited by 312 · see citing works
Intersectionality: An Understudied Framework for Addressing Weight Stigma
Himmelstein, M. S., Puhl, R. M., & Quinn, D. M. (2017) · American Journal of Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2017.04.003 · Cited by 311 · see citing works
Self-citationA multinational examination of weight bias: predictors of anti-fat attitudes across four countries
Puhl, R. M., Latner, J. D., O’Brien, K., Luedicke, J., Daníelsdóttir, S., & Forhan, M. A. (2015) · International Journal of Obesity · doi:10.1038/ijo.2015.32 · Cited by 304 · see citing works
Self-citationThe Impact of Weight Stigma on Caloric Consumption
Schvey, N. A., Puhl, R. M., & Brownell, K. (2011) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2011.204 · Cited by 296 · see citing works
Self-citationO'Brien, K. S., Latner, J., Puhl, R., Vartanian, L., Giles, C., Griva, K., & Carter, A. (2016) · Appetite · doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.02.032 · Cited by 295 · see citing works
Self-citationMotivating or stigmatizing? Public perceptions of weight-related language used by health providers
Puhl, R. M., Peterson, J. L., & Luedicke, J. (2012) · International Journal of Obesity · doi:10.1038/ijo.2012.110 · Cited by 287 · see citing works
Self-citationAnti-Fat Prejudice Reduction: A Review of Published Studies
Daníelsdóttir, S., O’Brien, K., & Ciao, A. C. (2010) · Obesity Facts · doi:10.1159/000277067 · Cited by 278 · see citing works
The impact of obesity on quality of life
Taylor, V. H., Forhan, M. A., Vigod, S. N., McIntyre, R. S., & Morrison, K. M. (2013) · Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · doi:10.1016/j.beem.2013.04.004 · Cited by 262 · see citing works
Weight Bias and Stigma: Public Health Implications and Structural Solutions
Pearl, R. L. (2018) · Social Issues and Policy Review · doi:10.1111/sipr.12043 · Cited by 253 · see citing works
Self-citationObesity stigma as a globalizing health challenge
Brewis, A., SturtzSreetharan, C., & Wutich, A. (2018) · Globalization and Health · doi:10.1186/s12992-018-0337-x · Cited by 252 · see citing works
Geiker, N. R. W., Astrup, A. V., Hjorth, M. F., Sjödin, A. M., Pijls, L. G. M., & Markus, C. R. (2017) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.12603 · Cited by 246 · see citing works
van Geel, M., Vedder, P. H., & Tanilon, J. (2014) · International Journal of Obesity · doi:10.1038/ijo.2014.117 · Cited by 245 · see citing works
Weight bias reduction in health professionals: a systematic review
Alberga, A. S., Pickering, B., Hayden, A., Ball, G. D. C., Edwards, A. L., Jelinski, S. E., Nutter, S., Oddie, S., Sharma, A. M., & Russell‐Mayhew, S. (2016) · Clinical Obesity · doi:10.1111/cob.12147 · Cited by 240 · see citing works
Overweight as Social Deviance and Disability
Maddox, G. L., Back, K. W., & Liederman, V. R. (1968) · Journal of Health and Social Behavior · doi:10.2307/2948537 · Cited by 234 · see citing works
Intentional Weight Loss and Changes in Symptoms of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Fabricatore, A., Wadden, T., Higginbotham, A., Faulconbridge, L. F., Nguyen, A., Heymsfield, S., & Faith, M. (2011) · International Journal of Obesity · doi:10.1038/ijo.2011.2 · Cited by 228 · see citing works
Body Image and Obesity in Adulthood
Sarwer, D. B., Thompson, J. K., & Cash, T. F. (2005) · Psychiatric Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.psc.2004.09.002 · Cited by 221 · see citing works
Friedman, K. E., Ashmore, J. A., & Applegate, K. L. (2008) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2008.457 · Cited by 210 · see citing works
Weight Bias in the Media: A Review of Recent Research
Ata, R. N., & Thompson, J. K. (2010) · Obesity Facts · doi:10.1159/000276547 · Cited by 208 · see citing works
A meta-analysis of empirical studies of weight-based bias in the workplace
Rudolph, C. W., Wells, C. L., Weller, M. D., & Baltes, B. B. (2008) · Journal of Vocational Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2008.09.008 · Cited by 203 · see citing works
Haines, J., KLEINMAN, K. P., Rifas‐Shiman, S. L., Field, A. E., & Austin, S. B. (2010) · Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine · doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2010.19 · Cited by 203 · see citing works
Pathways from dieting to weight regain, to obesity and to the metabolic syndrome: An overview
Dulloo, A. G., & Montani, J. ‐. (2015) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.12250 · Cited by 202 · see citing works
Warkentin, L. M., Das, D., Majumdar, S. R., Johnson, J. A., & Padwal, R. S. (2013) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.12113 · Cited by 202 · see citing works
Tomiyama, A. J., Finch, L. E., Belsky, A. C. I., Buss, J., Finley, C., Schwartz, M. B., & Daubenmier, J. (2015) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.20910 · Cited by 199 · see citing works
Weightism, Racism, Classism, and Sexism: Shared Forms of Harassment in Adolescents
Bucchianeri, M. M., Eisenberg, M. E., & Neumark‐Sztainer, D. (2013) · Journal of Adolescent Health · doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.01.006 · Cited by 179 · see citing works
Overt Weight Stigma, Psychological Distress and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes
Wott, C. B., & Carels, R. A. (2010) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105309355339 · Cited by 174 · see citing works
Durso, L. E., Latner, J., White, M., Masheb, R., Blomquist, K., Morgan, P. T., & Grilo, C. (2011) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.20933 · Cited by 171 · see citing works
Pearl, R. L., Puhl, R. M., & Dovidio, J. F. (2014) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105313520338 · Cited by 166 · see citing works
Self-citationAssociations of Weight Stigma with Cortisol and Oxidative Stress Independent of Adiposity
Tomiyama, A. J., Epel, E. S., McClatchey, T. M., Poelke, G., Kemeny, M. E., McCoy, S. K., & Daubenmier, J. (2014) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/hea0000107 · Cited by 166 · see citing works
Obesity in social media: a mixed methods analysis
Chou, W. S., Prestin, A., & Kunath, S. A. (2014) · Translational Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s13142-014-0256-1 · Cited by 162 · see citing works
Pearl, R. L., Wadden, T. A., Hopkins, C. M., Tronieri, J. S., Hayes, M. R., Bakizada, Z. M., Alfaris, N., Chao, A. M., Pinkasavage, E., Berkowitz, R. I., et al. (2017) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.21716 · Cited by 161 · see citing works
Self-citationPerceived weight discrimination and changes in weight, waist circumference, and weight status
Jackson, S. E., Beeken, R. J., & Wardle, J. (2014) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.20891 · Cited by 159 · see citing works
Schvey, N. A., Puhl, R. M., & Brownell, K. D. (2014) · Psychosomatic Medicine · doi:10.1097/psy.0000000000000031 · Cited by 155 · see citing works
Self-citationYouth experiences with multiple types of prejudice‐based harassment
Bucchianeri, M. M., Gower, A. L., McMorris, B. J., & Eisenberg, M. E. (2016) · Journal of Adolescence · doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.05.012 · Cited by 154 · see citing works
MacLean, P. S., Rothman, A. J., Nicastro, H. L., Czajkowski, S. M., Agurs‐Collins, T., Rice, E. L., Courcoulas, A. P., Ryan, D. H., Bessesen, D. H., & Loria, C. M. (2018) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.22154 · Cited by 152 · see citing works
Palmeira, L., Pinto-Gouveia, J., & Cunha, M. (2017) · Appetite · doi:10.1016/j.appet.2017.01.027 · Cited by 150 · see citing works
Quick, V., Wall, M. M., Larson, N., Haines, J., & Neumark‐Sztainer, D. (2013) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/1479-5868-10-37 · Cited by 149 · see citing works
Weight bias among UK trainee dietitians, doctors, nurses and nutritionists
Swift, J. A., Hanlon, S., El‐Redy, L., Puhl, R. M., & Glazebrook, C. (2012) · Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics · doi:10.1111/jhn.12019 · Cited by 148 · see citing works
Self-citationCarels, R. A., Wott, C. B., Young, K. M., Gumble, A., Koball, A. M., & Oehlhof, M. W. (2010) · Eating Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2010.03.002 · Cited by 147 · see citing works
Hunger, J. M., & Tomiyama, A. J. (2014) · Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine · doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.122 · Cited by 144 · see citing works
The weight of stigma: Cortisol reactivity to manipulated weight stigma
Himmelstein, M. S., Rodriguez, A. C. I., & Tomiyama, A. J. (2014) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.20959 · Cited by 142 · see citing works
Self-citationLatner, J. D., Barile, J. P., Durso, L. E., & O’Brien, K. (2014) · Eating Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.08.014 · Cited by 141 · see citing works
Mensinger, J. L., Calogero, R. M., & Tylka, T. L. (2016) · Appetite · doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.01.033 · Cited by 133 · see citing works
Sattler, K., Deane, F. P., Tapsell, L. C., & Kelly, P. J. (2018) · Health Psychology Open · doi:10.1177/2055102918759691 · Cited by 131 · see citing works
Relationship of Weight-Based Teasing and Adolescents’ Psychological Well-Being and Physical Health
Greenleaf, C., Petrie, T. A., & Martin, S. B. (2014) · Journal of School Health · doi:10.1111/josh.12118 · Cited by 130 · see citing works
Perceived Weight Discrimination and 10-Year Risk of Allostatic Load Among US Adults
Vadiveloo, M., & Mattei, J. (2017) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9831-7 · Cited by 124 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Finally, Vadiveloo and Mattei (2017) examined 10-year prospective associations between weight discrimination and allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative adverse consequences of multiple physiological systems in response to chronic stressors.”
BackgroundVolger, S., Vetter, M. L., Dougherty, M., Panigrahi, E., Egner, R., Webb, V., Thomas, J. G., Sarwer, D. B., & Wadden, T. A. (2011) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2011.217 · Cited by 122 · see citing works
Obesity and Internalized Weight Stigma: A Formulation Model for an Emerging Psychological Problem
Ratcliffe, D., & Ellison, N. (2013) · Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy · doi:10.1017/s1352465813000763 · Cited by 122 · see citing works
Eisenberg, M. E., Berge, J. M., Fulkerson, J. A., & Neumark‐Sztainer, D. (2011) · Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s10865-011-9378-9 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Shared risk factors for mood-, eating-, and weight-related health outcomes.
Goldschmidt, A. B., Wall, M. M., Choo, T.-H. J., Becker, C. B., & Neumark‐Sztainer, D. (2015) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/hea0000283 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Perceived weight discrimination and C‐reactive protein
Sutin, A. R., Stéphan, Y., Luchetti, M., & Terracciano, A. (2014) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.20789 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Gudzune, K. A., Bennett, W. L., Cooper, L. A., & Bleich, S. N. (2014) · Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.02.001 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Elder, C. R., Gullion, C. M., Funk, K. L., DeBar, L., Lindberg, N. M., & Stevens, V. J. (2011) · International Journal of Obesity · doi:10.1038/ijo.2011.60 · Cited by 113 · see citing works
Juvonen, J., Lessard, L. M., Schacter, H. L., & Suchilt, L. (2016) · Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology · doi:10.1080/15374416.2016.1188703 · Cited by 111 · see citing works
Experiences of weight stigma in everyday life: Implications for health motivation.
Vartanian, L. R., Pinkus, R. T., & Smyth, J. M. (2016) · Stigma and Health · doi:10.1037/sah0000077 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
The relation between weight-based teasing and psychological adjustment in adolescents
Goldfield, G. S., Moore, C., Henderson, K. A., Buchholz, A., Obeid, N., & Flament, M. F. (2010) · Paediatrics & Child Health · doi:10.1093/pch/15.5.283 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
Weight- and race-based bullying: Health associations among urban adolescents
Rosenthal, L., Earnshaw, V. A., Carroll‐Scott, A., Henderson, K. E., Peters, S. M., McCaslin, C., & Ickovics, J. R. (2013) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105313502567 · Cited by 99 · see citing works
A daily diary assessment of female weight stigmatization
Seacat, J. D., Dougal, S. C., & Roy, D. (2014) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105314525067 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Lampard, A. M., MacLehose, R. F., Eisenberg, M. E., Neumark‐Sztainer, D., & Davison, K. K. (2014) · Journal of Youth and Adolescence · doi:10.1007/s10964-013-0086-3 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
Jackson, S. E., & Steptoe, A. (2017) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014592 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Perceived weight discrimination in the CARDIA study: Differences by race, sex, and weight status
Dutton, G., Lewis, T. T., Durant, N., Halanych, J., Kiefe, C., Sidney, S., Kim, Y., & Lewis, C. (2013) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.20438 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
The Role of Stigma in Weight Loss Maintenance Among U.S. Adults
Puhl, R. M., Quinn, D. M., Weisz, B. M., & Suh, Y. J. (2017) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-017-9898-9 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Self-citationJendrzyca, A., & Warschburger, P. (2016) · Appetite · doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.02.005 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
A randomized trial comparing two approaches to weight loss: Differences in weight loss maintenance
Carels, R. A., Burmeister, J. M., Koball, A. M., Oehlhof, M. W., Hinman, N. G., LeRoy, M., Bannon, E. E., Ashrafioun, L., Storfer‐Isser, A., Darby, L. A., et al. (2013) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105312470156 · Cited by 90 · see citing works
Does this Tweet make me look fat? A content analysis of weight stigma on Twitter
Lydecker, J. A., Cotter, E. W., Palmberg, A. A., Simpson, C. C., Kwitowski, M. A., White, K., & Mazzeo, S. E. (2016) · Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity · doi:10.1007/s40519-016-0272-x · Cited by 85 · see citing works
McPherson, A. C., Hamilton, J. K., Kingsnorth, S., Knibbe, T. J., Peters, M., Swift, J. A., Krog, K., Chen, L., Steinberg, A., & Ball, G. D. C. (2016) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.12485 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
Tsenkova, V. K., Carr, D., Schoeller, D. A., & Ryff, C. D. (2010) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9238-9 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
The experience of weight stigma among gym members with overweight and obesity.
Schvey, N. A., Sbrocco, T., Bakalar, J. L., Ress, R., Barmine, M., Gorlick, J., Pine, A., Stephens, M., & Tanofsky-Kraff, M. (2017) · Stigma and Health · doi:10.1037/sah0000062 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Group cognitive-behavioral treatment for internalized weight stigma: a pilot study
Pearl, R., Hopkins, C. H., Berkowitz, R., & Wadden, T. (2018) · Eating and Weight Disorders · doi:10.1007/s40519-016-0336-y · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Self-citationRaves, D. M., Brewis, A., Trainer, S., Han, S.-Y., & Wutich, A. (2016) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01497 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Teasing, depression and unhealthy weight control behaviour in obese children
Madowitz, J., Knatz, S., Maginot, T. R., Crow, S. J., & Boutelle, K. N. (2012) · Pediatric Obesity · doi:10.1111/j.2047-6310.2012.00078.x · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Self‐reported Stigmatization Among Candidates for Bariatric Surgery
Sarwer, D. B., Fabricatore, A. N., Eisenberg, M. H., Sywulak, L. A., & Wadden, T. A. (2008) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2008.450 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Jackson, S. E., Kirschbaum, C., & Steptoe, A. (2016) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.21657 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
Rosenberger, P. H., Henderson, K. E., Bell, R. L., & Grilo, C. M. (2007) · Obesity Surgery · doi:10.1007/s11695-007-9082-6 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Adult and childhood weight influence body image and depression through weight stigmatization
Stevens, S. D., Herbozo, S., Morrell, H. E. R., Schaefer, L. M., & Thompson, J. K. (2016) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105315624749 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Levin, M. E., Potts, S., Haeger, J., & Lillis, J. (2018) · Cognitive and Behavioral Practice · doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2017.02.002 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Pass the popcorn: “Obesogenic” behaviors and stigma in children's movies
Throop, E. M., Skinner, A. C., Perrin, A. J., Steiner, M. J., Odulana, A., & Perrin, E. M. (2013) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.20652 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Sarwer, D. B., Wadden, T. A., Spitzer, J. C., Mitchell, J. E., Lancaster, K., Courcoulas, A. P., GOURASH, W. F., Rosen, R. C., & Christian, N. J. (2017) · Obesity Surgery · doi:10.1007/s11695-017-3025-7 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Wee, C. C., Davis, R. B., Huskey, K. W., Jones, D. B., & Hamel, M. B. (2013) · Journal of General Internal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s11606-012-2188-0 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Mensinger, J. L., & Meadows, A. (2017) · Psychology of Sport and Exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.01.010 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Latner, J. D., Wilson, G. T., Jackson, M. L., & Stunkard, A. J. (2009) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105308100203 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Behaviors and motivations for weight loss in children and adolescents
Brown, C. L., Skelton, J. A., Perrin, E. M., & Skinner, A. C. (2015) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.21370 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
The Stigma of Obesity Surgery: Negative Evaluations Based on Weight Loss History
Vartanian, L. R., & Fardouly, J. (2013) · Obesity Surgery · doi:10.1007/s11695-013-0918-y · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Lent, M., Napolitano, M. A., Wood, G., Argyropoulos, G., Gerhard, G., Hayes, S., Foster, G., Collins, C. A., & Still, C. D. (2014) · Obesity Surgery · doi:10.1007/s11695-014-1455-z · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Latner, J. D., Ebneter, D. S., & O’Brien, K. (2012) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2012.55 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Olvera, N. E., Dempsey, A. G., González, E., et al. (2013) · Eating Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2013.06.012 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Weight discrimination and unhealthy eating-related behaviors
Sutin, A., Robinson, E., Daly, M., & Terracciano, A. (2016) · Appetite · doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.02.016 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Psychosocial predictors of weight regain in the weight loss maintenance trial
Brantley, P. J., Stewart, D. W., Myers, V. H., Matthews‐Ewald, M. R., Ard, J. D., Coughlin, J. W., Jerome, G. J., Samuel‐Hodge, C. D., Lien, L. F., Gullion, C. M., et al. (2014) · Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s10865-014-9565-6 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Han, S., Agostini, G., Brewis, A., & Wutich, A. (2018) · BMC Obesity · doi:10.1186/s40608-018-0195-3 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Fettich, K. C., & Chen, E. Y. (2012) · Obesity · doi:10.1038/oby.2012.12 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Losekam, S., Goetzky, B., Kraeling, S., Rief, W., & Hilbert, A. (2010) · Obesity Facts · doi:10.1159/000319433 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Jung, F. U. C. E., Spahlholz, J., Hilbert, A., Riedel-Heller, S. G., & Luck‐Sikorski, C. (2017) · Obesity Facts · doi:10.1159/000468154 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Vartanian, L. R., & Fardouly, J. (2014) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.20721 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Mattingly, B. A., Stambush, M. A., & Hill, A. E. (2009) · Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research · doi:10.1111/j.1751-9861.2009.00045.x · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Cardiovascular disease and perceived weight, racial, and gender discrimination in U.S. adults
Udo, T., & Grilo, C. M. (2017) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.07.007 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Puhl, R. M., Himmelstein, M. S., Gorin, A. A., & Suh, Y. J. (2017) · Obesity Science & Practice · doi:10.1002/osp4.101 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Self-citationAraiza, A. M., & Wellman, J. D. (2017) · Appetite · doi:10.1016/j.appet.2017.04.009 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Weight stigma facilitates unhealthy eating and weight gain via fear of fat
Wellman, J. D., Araiza, A. M., Newell, E. E., & McCoy, S. K. (2018) · Stigma and Health · doi:10.1037/sah0000088 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Weight Bias Internalization and Long-Term Weight Loss in Patients With Obesity
Pearl, R. L., Wadden, T. A., Chao, A. M., Walsh, O. A., Alamuddin, N., Berkowitz, R. I., & Tronieri, J. S. (2018) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1093/abm/kay084 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Self-citationSelf-stigma and weight loss: The impact of fear of being stigmatized
Lillis, J., Thomas, J. G., Levin, M. E., & Wing, R. R. (2017) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105317739101 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Wee, C. C., Davis, R. B., Chiodi, S., Huskey, K. W., & Hamel, M. B. (2015) · Journal of General Internal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s11606-014-3041-4 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Chen, E. Y., Fettich, K. C., & McCloskey, M. S. (2012) · Crisis · doi:10.1027/0227-5910/a000115 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Exposure to teasing on popular television shows and associations with adolescent body satisfaction
Eisenberg, M. E., Ward, E., Linde, J. A., Gollust, S. E., & Neumark‐Sztainer, D. (2017) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.09.014 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Ievers‐Landis, C. E., Dykstra, C., Uli, N. K., & O’Riordan, M. A. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16091540 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Preference for People-First Language Among Patients Seeking Bariatric Surgery
Pearl, R. L., Walton, K., Allison, K. C., et al. (2018) · JAMA Surgery · doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2018.2702 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Self-citationOlson, K. L., Lillis, J., Thomas, J. G., & Wing, R. R. (2018) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.22283 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Influence of weight discrimination on weight loss goals and self‐selected weight loss interventions
Sharma, S., Wharton, S., Forhan, M. A., & Kuk, J. L. (2011) · Clinical Obesity · doi:10.1111/j.1758-8111.2011.00028.x · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Guardabassi, V., Mirisola, A., & Tomasetto, C. (2017) · Quality of Life Research · doi:10.1007/s11136-017-1701-7 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
McCleary-Gaddy, A. T., Miller, C. T., Grover, K. W., Hodge, J. J., & Major, B. (2018) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1093/abm/kay042 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Warkentin, T., Borghese, M. M., & Janssen, I. (2016) · Obesity Science & Practice · doi:10.1002/osp4.87 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Simone, M., & Lockhart, G. (2016) · Journal of American College Health · doi:10.1080/07448481.2016.1188106 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Editorial: Obesity Stigma in Healthcare: Impacts on Policy, Practice, and Patients
Flint, S., Oliver, E., & Copeland, R. (2017) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02149 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
The impact of weight stigma on decisions about weight loss surgery.
Giardino, J. C., Keitel, M. A., Patelis, T., & Takooshian, H. (2017) · Stigma and Health · doi:10.1037/sah0000115 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Bariatric Procedures for Weight Loss
Arterburn, D. E., Wellman, R., Emiliano, A. B., et al. (2018) · Annals of Internal Medicine · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Prospective associations between peer teasing in childhood and young men’s obesity
Kerr, D., & Gini, G. (2017) · Obesity Research & Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.orcp.2017.07.005 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity
Rubino, F., Cummings, D. E., Eckel, R. H., Cohen, R. V., Wilding, J. P. H., Brown, W. A., Stanford, F. C., Batterham, R. L., Farooqi, I. S., Farpour-Lambert, N. J., et al. (2025) · The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology · doi:10.1016/s2213-8587(24)00316-4 · Cited by 1,811 · see citing works
Lingvay, I., Cohen, R. V., Roux, C. W. L., & Sumithran, P. (2024) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(24)01210-8 · Cited by 433 · see citing works
Ahmed, S. K., & Mohammed, R. A. (2025) · Metabolism Open · doi:10.1016/j.metop.2025.100375 · Cited by 432 · see citing works
Advantages and Limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) to Assess Adult Obesity
Wu, Y., Li, D., & Vermund, S. H. (2024) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph21060757 · Cited by 332 · see citing works
“Such negative stereotypes because of body weight, better termed “weight stigma”, affect people with obesity; persons feeling ashamed or embarrassed may hesitate to seek timely professional help, may have trouble finding needed social support, and can impede weight loss maintenance [19].”
BackgroundWeight bias among health care professionals: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Lawrence, B. J., Kerr, D., Pollard, C. M., Theophilus, M., Alexander, E., Haywood, D., & O’Connor, M. (2021) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.23266 · Cited by 283 · see citing works
Effective strategies in ending weight stigma in healthcare
Talumaa, B., Brown, A., Batterham, R. L., & Kalea, A. Z. (2022) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.13494 · Cited by 250 · see citing works
Ryan, L., Coyne, R., Heary, C., Birney, S., Crotty, M., Dunne, R., Conlan, O., & Walsh, J. C. (2023) · Obesity Reviews · doi:10.1111/obr.13606 · Cited by 149 · see citing works
Obesity and Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents: The Bidirectional Link
Stabouli, S., Erdine, S., Suurorg, L., Jankauskienė, A., & Lurbe, E. (2021) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu13124321 · Cited by 123 · see citing works
Puhl, R. M., Lessard, L. M., Larson, N., Eisenberg, M. E., & Neumark-Stzainer, D. (2020) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1093/abm/kaaa077 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
Self-citationNadolsky, K., Addison, B., Agarwal, M., Almandoz, J. P., Bird, M. D., DeGeeter Chaplin, M., Garvey, W. T., & Kyle, T. K. (2023) · Endocrine Practice · doi:10.1016/j.eprac.2023.03.272 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
Wiss, D., & Brewerton, T. (2020) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu12102937 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Phelan, S. M., Bauer, K. W., Bradley, D., Bradley, S. M., Haller, I. V., Mundi, M. S., Finney Rutten, L. J., Schroeder, D. R., Fischer, K., & Croghan, I. (2022) · Obesity Science & Practice · doi:10.1002/osp4.553 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Role of weight bias and patient–physician communication in the underutilization of bariatric surgery
Sarwer, D. B., Gasoyan, H., Bauerle Bass, S., Spitzer, J. C., Soans, R., & Rubin, D. J. (2021) · Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases · doi:10.1016/j.soard.2021.07.013 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
A systematic review of obesity as a barrier to accessing cancer screening services
Graham, Y., Hayes, C., Cox, J., Mahawar, K., Fox, A., & Yemm, H. (2022) · Obesity Science & Practice · doi:10.1002/osp4.606 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Braun, T. D., Olson, K., Panza, E., Lillis, J., Schumacher, L., Abrantes, A. M., Kunicki, Z., & Unick, J. L. (2022) · Obesity Science & Practice · doi:10.1002/osp4.616 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Conradson, H. E., Hayden, K. A., Russell‐Mayhew, S., Raffin Bouchal, S., & King‐Shier, K. (2022) · Obesity Science & Practice · doi:10.1002/osp4.605 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“Women's appraisal of their body image and quality of life are also negatively impacted by obesity.(11,22,23) Women with obesity are particularly at risk for having poorer overall health, socioeconomic status, education, and employment compared to non‐obese women or men.”
BackgroundA Qualitative Analysis of Patient Experiences Using Semaglutide 2.4 mg for Weight Loss
Plenn, E., Amin, D., Henry, J., Leavitt, G., Walker, J., & Soleymani, T. (2025) · Obesity Science & Practice · doi:10.1002/osp4.70085 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Loose, T., Geoffroy, M. C., Orri, M., Chadi, N., Scardera, S., Booij, L., Breton, E., Tremblay, R., Boivin, M., & Coté, S. (2023) · Canadian Journal of Public Health · doi:10.17269/s41997-022-00715-8 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Weight stigma prior to the pandemic was related to negative outcomes such as increased depression, COVID-19-related stress, and binge eating (Puhl et al., 2020).”
Background
- Authors
- Puhl, R. M., Himmelstein, M. S., & Pearl, R. L.
- Affiliations
- University of Connecticut (US)
- Kent State University (US)
- University of Pennsylvania (US)
- Venue
- American Psychologist
- Published
- 2020-02
- Volume
- 75
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 274-289
- ISSN
- 0003-066X (ISSN-L)
- 1935-990X
- OpenAlex
- W3005800574
- Cited by
- 452
- References
- 152
- Citations by year
- 2026: 55 · 2025: 91 · 2024: 91 · 2023: 68 · 2022: 74 · 2021: 50 · 2020: 23
- FWCI
- 82.77
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- American Psychologist (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (K23HL140176)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › 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, psychosocial factors, weight-related behaviors, maladaptive eating, physical activity, stress, weight loss, bariatric surgery, youth, coping with stigma, weight management interventions, obesity prevention and treatment
- MeSH terms
- Body Dissatisfaction, Feeding Behavior, Humans, Obesity, Stereotyping, Exercise, Social Stigma
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
