Obesity, stigma and public health planning

Health Promot Int. 2009 Mar;24(1):88-93. doi: 10.1093/heapro/dan041. Epub 2009 Jan 8.

Abstract

Given the rise in obesity rates in North America, concerns about obesity-related costs to the health care system are being stressed in both the popular media and the scientific literature. With such constant calls to action, care must be taken not to increase stigmatization of obese people, particularly of children. While there is much written about stigma and how it is exacerbated, there are few guidelines for public health managers and practitioners who are attempting to design and implement obesity prevention programs that minimize stigma. We examine stigmatization of obese people and the consequences of this social process, and discuss how stigma is manifest in health service provision. We give suggestions for designing non-stigmatizing obesity prevention public health programs. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • Health Planning / ethics*
  • Health Promotion / ethics
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Ontario
  • Prejudice*
  • Professional-Patient Relations / ethics
  • Public Health Administration / ethics*
  • Self Concept
  • Stereotyping*