Physical and Psychological Effects of Weight Bias and Social Stigma on Weight Management

Aspects of weight management are becoming difficult. Behavioral and psychological management of patients with obesity is a significant component, as weight bias and social stigma related to weight are faced by almost all patients with obesity. Weight bias refers to personal negative attitudes and beliefs about people based on their weight, while social stigma related to obesity refers to the broader social stereotypes and negative labels attached to individuals with obesity. They are not exactly the same, but weight bias can contribute to the creation and exacerbation of social stigma associated with obesity. Encouragement of patients with obesity to change dietary habits, increase physical activity, monitor for mindful eating, manage stress, and get good sleep is found to help with weight management. However, any type of bias and stigma is found to be associated with negative effects on weight. Patients with obesity face bias and stigma everywhere, including within themselves, which needs education and counselling of the surrounding people and patients themselves. Bias and stigma are very common in the healthcare system as well. So, training health professionals right from medical school is necessary. This article highlights the importance of education and counselling of the general population and patients, and creating a weight-friendly environment. It emphasizes the need for training of health care professionals to learn about social stigma and weight bias so that they can help with the management of weight, ultimately benefiting from the increasing concern of obesity.