Fatphobia

Stigma based on body size is called fatphobia.

It manifests itself in different ways: in everyday relationships, through interactions with the medical profession, in the media, or in population-based interventions targeting obesity.

" Stigma stops people from reaching their full potential. And we as a society are poorer for that."

Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada¹

Fatphobia is fueled by stereotypes and negative prejudices that target people whose weight is considered too high. Additionally, it is often rooted in a lack of awareness and education about the complex factors that influence body weight². In Québec³:

• More than half of the population think that fat people are not fit, don’t do enough physical activity and eat too much and poorly.
• 37% of adults believe that fat people have poor self-control.
• 18% of adults believe that fat people are lazy.

Several studies have shown that fatphobia is associated with important consequences on physical and mental health as well as on the quality of healthcare, such as ^2,4-7:

•  Poor body image;
•  Increased risk of developing eating disorders;
• Increased risk of psychological distress (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety, etc.);
•  Development of risky weight management behaviors;
•  Reluctance to use primary health care;
•  Weight gain, difficulty losing weight or weight fluctuation;
•  Barrier to the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits (e.g., reluctance to practise sports in public). 

And many other consequences that are detrimental to the health and well-being of those who suffer from them.

To find out more about the different levels of fatphobia, their manifestations and consequences, consult our fact sheet on fatphobia.

Consult the fact sheet

Fatphobia can have several negative effects such as low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and social exclusion, leading to avoidance and loss of interest in physical activity. Certain solutions can be put in place to prevent young people who are overweight from feeling hampered in their practice of physical activity.

Check out our recommendations for schools 

In addition to damaging health and well-being, medical fatphobia can compromise the relationship between healthcare professionals and their patients.

How can healthcare professionals prevent fatphobia?

There are concrete actions they can take to have a positive impact and facilitate relations with their patients.

How can the medical community mobilize to take action on a wider scale?

More systemic measures can also be put in place to create a healthier, more weight-inclusive medical environment.

Find out more

In order to confront fatphobia, we must first become aware of our prejudices and recognize them, and then act to create healthy, safe and inclusive living environments for everyone.

1. Tam T. (2019). Lutte contre la stigmatisation : vers un système de santé plus inclusif. Rapport de l’administratrice en chef de la santé publique sur l’état de la santé publique au Canada 2019. Agence de la santé publique du Canada.
2. Rubino F., Puhl RM., Cummings DE., et al. (2020). Joint international consensus statement for ending stigma of obesity. Nat Med,26(4):485-497. doi:10.1038/s41591-020-0803-x
3. Léger. (2021). Rapport : Perception du problème de poids au Québec : Sondage auprès des Québécois et Québécoises.
4. Puhl, R. (2021). Grossophobie : un phénomène mondial aux conséquences néfastes pour tous. The Conversation. Repéré au https://theconversation.com/grossophobieun-phenomene-mondial-aux-consequences-nefastespour-tous-162155
5. Levy M. (2020). The Relationship between Weight Bias Internalization and Healthy and Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviours. Montréal (QC) : Concordia University.
6. Sutin AR, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. (2015). Weight Discrimination and Risk of Mortality. Psychol Sci, 26(11):1803-11
7. Wu YK, Berry DC. Impact of weight stigma on physiological and psychological health outcomes for overweight and obese adults: A systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2018;74(5):1030‑42.