Effects of Weight Bias


Weight bias can exist in every aspect of life including employment, healthcare, the media, among friends and family, and in other areas. Weight bias affects everyone differently and it can have a harmful impact on your mental and physical health.

Effects of Weight Bias on Your…

Mental Health

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Low self-esteem
  • Poor body image
Physical Health

  • Binge-eating
  • Unhealthy weight control practices
  • Avoidance of physical activity

Weight Bias Can Also Have Harmful Effects on Your…


Workplace

In the workplace, bias can mean:

  • Lower pay
  • Fewer promotions
  • Fewer job prospects

Healthcare Services

Weight bias is extremely common in healthcare and can result in:

  • Lower-quality care
  • Delayed medical appointments
  • Inappropriately sized medical equipment

Education

Students affected by obesity are often seen as lazy and less likely to succeed in school, which can result in:

  • Bullying
  • Exclusion from social activities
  • Poor mental and physical health

What can I do to #StopWeightBias?

1. Ask yourself if you hold negative opinions about people with excess weight. If so, remember obesity is a complex disease with multiple causes including genetic, biological, and other noncontrollable factors.

2. Challenge people who express negative opinions about people with excess weight.

3. Be Part of the Solution. With your help, we can build a better world, free of weight bias. We deserve a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Join the movement to Stop Weight Bias!
Click Here to Get Started!