Rewriting the Story: Understanding Weight Stigma and Its Impact
May 11, 2026This article is based on the workshop session “Rewriting the Story: Understanding Weight Stigma and Its Impact” presented by psychologist Dr. Steven Reyes (Dr. Steve) at the ObesityHelp 2025 National Conference. In his talk, Dr. Steve explored weight stigma and how it harms both mental and physical health. He offered practical tools to counter its effects, build resilience, and support a more fulfilling, consistent self-care lifestyle.
The Definition and Prevalence of Weight Stigma
Weight stigma refers to the negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors directed toward individuals based on their body weight and size. As Dr. Steve explained, “Weight stigma, also known as weight-biased or weight-based discrimination, refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors directed towards individuals based on their body weight and size.” This can affect people of all body sizes, although those in higher weight bodies are most commonly targeted.
The origins of weight stigma are multifactorial, including societal perceptions that weight is fully controllable and that achieving weight loss is always attainable with enough effort. Historically, media portrayals have reinforced the thin ideal, glorifying thin bodies and marginalizing others. Dr. Steve emphasized that these biases are pervasive: “More than 40% of American adults have experienced weight stigma at some point in their life. Some studies report rates as high as 58%, and in specific bariatric populations, family-based stigma affects up to 88% of participants.”
Misconceptions about individuals with higher body weight often include assumptions of laziness, lack of willpower, poor hygiene, or low moral character. These beliefs can manifest as direct discrimination or subtle slights, such as judgmental body language or eye-rolling. “People with obesity may experience negative verbal comments, teasing, bullying, and even physical assault, unfortunately. That can take place in our environment,” Dr. Steve noted.
Real-Life Experiences and the Two-Phenomenon
Weight stigma is experienced in multiple settings, most notably in family environments and medical contexts. Conference attendees shared stories illustrating these realities. One participant described being ignored during an orthopedic externship: “He then looked at me, looked down and back up and kind of shrugged his shoulders. He didn’t even have to say he was displeased with my weight; it was just all over his face.”
Post-surgery experiences can introduce a different type of bias, often referred to as the “two-phenomenon,” where individuals are criticized for being either too heavy or too thin. Dr. Steve shared, “Skinny is a very negative term. If people said you were too thin, it was softer to me. Skinny I took as an insult.” Another attendee recounted how doors, previously left closed, were suddenly held open after weight loss, highlighting how social treatment can shift based on body size.
These experiences show that weight stigma does not end after surgery and that body image adjustment is a process. Dr. Steve reinforced the importance of validation and self-acceptance: “Validation stuff, man, especially with your safe people, let it in. You know, we need that stuff. It fuels us.”
Effects on Mental Health and Body Image
Weight stigma has profound psychological consequences. It contributes to body dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, and low self-esteem, and is a leading risk factor for eating disorders, including binge eating. Participants discussed how family dynamics can exacerbate these challenges, with one attendee explaining, “You tell me I can’t do it. What am I going to do? I’m going to do it.”
Internalized stigma can amplify negative self-perception, creating cycles of guilt, self-critical thinking, and perfectionism. Dr. Steve highlighted, “A common thing with the population I’ve worked with over the years, they’re very self-critical. When we practice that self-criticalness, basically what we’re doing is giving ourselves that bad message, you know, that we’re not worth it.”
Person-first language is one practical way to counter stigma. Instead of labeling someone as obese, using phrases like “John has obesity” helps separate identity from condition. Dr. Steve explained, “John has obesity versus John is obese. Right? You see the difference there?” This approach promotes respect and reduces the harmful impact of labeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is weight stigma?
Weight stigma refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors directed toward individuals based on their body weight and size.
Who experiences weight stigma most often?
While it can affect anyone, individuals in higher weight bodies are most commonly targeted. Family and medical settings are frequent sources of stigma.
How can weight stigma affect mental health?
It can increase body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and risk for disordered eating behaviors. Internalized stigma can reinforce negative self-perceptions.
Watch the full video of Dr. Steve's session below!
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Steven Reyes offers expertise on the psychological adjustments associated with weight loss surgery. Dr. Reyes is best known for his compassionate coaching and therapeutic approach in helping others with their psychological and physical well-being. Dr. Reyes' research includes a phenomenological study of the post-surgical adjustment issues with weight loss surgery patients between 1 and 2 years post-op. Read more articles from Steven Reyes! |
