Weight Bias

Weight bias is negative attitudes, beliefs, judgments, stereotypes, and discriminatory acts aimed at individuals simply because of their weight. Bias can occur in all areas of life such as, school, healthcare, the workplace and even among family and friends. It also takes many forms – verbal, written, media, online and more. Weight bias is dehumanizing and damaging: it can cause adverse physical and psychological health outcomes and promotes a social norm that marginalizes people.

Accessing care for obesity can also be challenging for people. Healthcare providers should be sensitive to bias and language, and make accommodations for patient care, i.e. adequate furniture, equipment and an environment that accommodates a patient’s needs. A lack of sensitivity can lead to delayed medical appointments, lower quality care and more.

Weight Bias Resources

• • Weight Bias Fact Sheet
  • Weight Bias and Bullying in Children Fact Sheet
  • Weight Bias and Childhood Bullying Infographic
  • Weight Bias and Childhood Obesity Infographic
  • Weight Bias in Racial and Ethnic Groups Fact Sheet
  • Weight Bias in U.S. Adults Fact Sheet
  • Weight Bias Image Galleries
  • Weight Bias PSAs
  • Weight Bias Reporting Tool
  • Weight Bias Stories
  • Fast Facts: Weight Bias & Stigma
  • Other Weight Bias Resources
  • Fat-shaming: The Arguments Simply Do Not Work (Obesity Action Coalition)
  • Measures to Assess Weight Bias (Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity)
  • Obesity and Weight Bias in Racial and Ethnic Groups
    By Holly F. Lofton, MD; and Shanna Tucker, MD
  • Internalized Weight Bias: Recognizing its Impacts 
    By Melinda J. Watman, BSN, MSN, CNM, MBA
  • Shame Campaigns – Do they Work? (Obesity Action Coalition)
    By Rebecca Puhl, PhD
  • Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents With Obesity
  • Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents With Obesity [infographic]
  • Understanding Obesity Stigma Brochure (Obesity Action Coalition)
  • Understanding the Stigma of Obesity and its Consequences (Obesity Action Coalition)
  • Weight Bias: A Social Justice Issue (Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity)  
  • Weight Bias: Does it Affect Men and Women Differently? (Obesity Action Coalition)  
    By Kelly King, MPH and Rebecca Puhl, PhD
  • Weight Bias and Discrimination: A Challenge for Healthcare Providers (Obesity Action Coalition) 
    By Melinda J. Watman, BSN, MSN, CNM, MBA
  • Weight Discrimination: A Socially Acceptable Injustice (Obesity Action Coalition)  
    By Rebecca Puhl, PhD