Pervasiveness, impact and implications of weight stigma

Evidence has accumulated to demonstrate the pervasiveness, impact and implications of weight stigma. As such, there is a need for concerted efforts to address weight stigma and discrimination that is evident within, policy, healthcare, media, workplaces, and education. The continuation of weight stigma, which is known to have a negative impact on mental and physical health, threatens the societal values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. This health policy review provides an analysis of the research evidence highlighting the widespread nature of weight stigma, its impact on health policy and the need for action at a policy level. We propose short- and medium-term recommendations to address weight stigma and in doing so, highlight the need change across society to be part of efforts to end weight stigma and discrimination. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Evidence has shown the pervasive, impact, and implications of weight stigma, calling for concerted efforts to address it in areas such as policy, healthcare, media, workplaces, and education. This health policy review provides an analysis of the research evidence, emphasizing the widespread nature of weight stigma, its impact on health policy, and the need for action at a policy level. Short- and medium-term recommendations are proposed to tackle weight stigma and discrimination, highlighting the importance of societal change to end it.