Beyond size: Exploring the origins of anti-fat attitudes and paving the way away from them

This article presents a review of the complex web of factors driving anti-fat attitudes and offers a roadmap for targeted interventions. We delve into the impact of early family influences on the formation of anti-fat biases, revealing how biases often take root in childhood. The scope of our review then broadens to examine how intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and age intensify anti-fat stigma, with added layers of socioeconomic disparities, pervasive media portrayals and culture providing further vectors of interaction. We also analyze the psychological dimensions of belief within perceivers, such as internalized ideals and broader social worldviews, that reinforce these biases. Our synthesis highlights the importance of a holistic approach in future research, urging attention to intersecting influences and the cumulative impact of these factors from an early age. By addressing these dimensions and promoting diverse intervention strategies, we aim to provide actionable insights to reduce anti-fat biases across varied populations.