Campaigns aimed at increasing public understanding of weight stigma have been launched, such as the World Obesity Federation’s 2018 World Obesity Day. Here are five shocking facts about weight stigma that you may not have been aware of:1. Weight stigma can encourage weight gainThis diagram represents what researchers refer to as the Cyclic Obesity Weight Based Stigma Model. Stigma often perpetrated by friends and family, not strangersNegative assumptions and cruel comments from friends and family members have been reported as one of the most common experiences of weight stigma. The role that weight stigma plays is a fundamental factor that needs to be considered and addressed.

Source: Irish Examiner October 12, 2018 17:15 UTC