The stigmatisation of obesity from a gender perspective: A systematic review

Worldwide, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased. In Europe, from 1980 to 2015, it increased by 11.6% and 8.4%, respectively. Weight stigma refers to the social devaluation and denigration of individuals because of their excess body weight and can lead to negative attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. Research about obesity and its negative consequences has confirmed that people with obesity are at risk of developing more physical and psychological symptoms. Weight stigma remains present in several settings, often stigmatising individuals with obesity and finding remarkable differences according to gender. A greater understanding of the gender differences concerning obesity can significantly impact the treatment of obesity and the planning of community and individual interventions to prevent and manage this condition.

The principal aim is to examine the discrimination rate against people with overweight and obesity from a gender perspective.