Weight Stigma

Weight stigma refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination directed at people because of their body weight or size. This can happen in healthcare settings, workplaces, and social situations, and it often makes people feel ashamed or reluctant to seek medical help — creating a cycle that makes weight management even harder.

Weight stigma is the social devaluation and denigration of individuals based on their body weight, encompassing explicit bias (conscious negative attitudes), implicit bias (unconscious associations), and structural discrimination embedded in policies and environments. Research demonstrates that weight stigma is an independent contributor to adverse health outcomes including increased cortisol secretion, maladaptive eating behaviours, reduced physical activity, and avoidance of preventive healthcare, independent of BMI.

At Accord Medical, Dr Joseph Wang provides a judgement-free environment where patients can discuss weight concerns openly. Understanding weight stigma helps patients recognise that obesity is a complex medical condition — not a personal failing — and that seeking professional care is a positive, health-affirming step.