Weight Bias and Stigma: Public Health Implications and Structural Solutions

Pearl, Rebecca L.

doi:10.1111/sipr.12043

Cited by 278Obesity and Health PracticesObesity, Physical Activity, DietEating Disorders and Behaviors

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Weight Bias and Stigma: Public Health Implications and Structural Solutions

Pearl, Rebecca L.·2018·Social Issues and Policy Review

DOI 10.1111/sipr.12043

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Abstract

Weight bias is a widespread form of prejudice that leads to the stigmatization of individuals who are perceived to have excess weight. Several psychological theories have been used to explain weight bias and to understand its negative impact on the mental and physical health of individuals with overweight and obesity. Top‐down approaches are needed to reduce weight stigma and its adverse health consequences at the population‐level. Potential targets for stigma‐reduction policies include weight‐based discrimination in the workplace, bullying and discrimination in educational settings, stigma in health care, and stereotypical media portrayals. These proposed policies have strong support from the public and stakeholders and, with further implementation and evaluation, may serve as promising structural interventions for addressing societal weight stigma.

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Weight stigma has been documented in multiple societal domains, including the workplace, education, healthcare settings, and within families.
“Weight stigma has been documented in multiple societal domains, including the workplace, education, healthcare settings, and within families9,10.”
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Self-citation

Authors: Pearl, R. L.
Affiliations: University of Pennsylvania (US)
Corresponding author: Pearl, Rebecca L.
ORCID: Pearl, Rebecca L.
Venue: Social Issues and Policy Review
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2018-01
Volume: 12
Issue: 1
Pages: 146-182
ISSN: 1751-2395 (ISSN-L)
1751-2409
DOI: 10.1111/sipr.12043
OpenAlex: W2783713808
Cited by: 278
References: 20
Citations by year: 2026: 41 · 2025: 43 · 2024: 50 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 28 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 9
FWCI: 18.21
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 15 d)
Locations: Social Issues and Policy Review (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity and Health Practices
Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Keywords: weight bias, weight stigma, obesity, overweight, structural interventions, employment discrimination, bullying, media representation, public health, mental health, physical health

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Weight Bias and Stigma: Public Health Implications and Structural Solutions

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