The Effect of Weight Loss on Perceptions of Weight Controllability: Implications for Prejudice Against Overweight People

The influence of weight and recent weight loss on perceptions of weight controllability and prejudice against overweight people was investigated. Participants (N = 64) examined bogus health, diet, and fitness information about a female target. The target's weight (121 vs. 161 lb, or 55 vs. 73 kg) and recent weight loss (0 vs. 40 lb, or 0 vs. 18 kg) were manipulated. Perceptions of the controllability of weight, trait ratings of the target, and dislike of overweight people were measured. The results showed that weight loss increases perceptions of the controllability of weight equally in normal and overweight targets. Moreover, overweight targets were disliked more and judged more unattractive than were targets with more healthy weights, and this was particularly true for overweight targets who had recently lost weight. The implications of the results for prejudice against overweight people and the stigma of obesity are discussed.