Negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination directed at people because of their body weight, including within healthcare.
Updated Jul 18, 2026
Weight stigma refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination directed at people because of their body weight. It shows up in workplaces, schools, media, relationships, and in healthcare settings, where it can shape how patients are spoken to and treated.
Research links weight stigma to worse mental and physical health that is independent of body weight itself, and it can make people less likely to seek care. Recognizing it is part of why many clinicians emphasize respectful, non-judgmental language when discussing weight and treatment.
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