Research
Adherence
Weight stigma and internalized bias in healthcare settings negatively impact obesity treatment outcomes by reducing care access, increasing weight gain, and causing exercise avoidance, whereas weight-inclusive, body-positive messaging improves exercise intention and adherence.
Healthcare providers should use weight-inclusive language (e.g., 'movement' instead of 'exercise') and create a stigma-free environment. Patients should seek providers who focus on health behaviors rather than just weight loss, as this improves adherence and reduces the psychological burden of obesity.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
There is significant evidence that indicates these judgements and behaviors can lead to decreased access to care, delay in seeking care, and strained patient–provider relationships... negative self-image, internalized weight bias, and experiencing implicit and explicit bias lead to weight gain and binge-eating behaviors... People who experience weight stigma and internalized weight bias have higher motivation to avoid exercise and decreased self-efficacy to engage in exercise.
Why this rating
Cites multiple studies across countries demonstrating consistent negative effects of stigma.
Source
Lifestyle Medicine for Obesity in the Era of Highly Effective Anti-Obesity Treatment
Deepa Sannidhi et al. · Nutrients · 2025
narrative_reviewCited 11×
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