Navigation
Weight stigma refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes, social judgments, or discriminatory treatment directed toward people because of their body weight or perceived weight. In Nutritional Psychology, weight stigma is important because social pressure and stigmatizing experiences can influence body image, psychological well-being, eating behaviors, and weight-management practices. Weight stigma may also become internalized, leading individuals to adopt negative beliefs about themselves and potentially contributing to harmful or disordered eating behaviors.
Author and reviewer
Editorial responsibilityReferences and further reading
- Puhl, R. M., & Heuer, C. A. (2009). The stigma of obesity: A review and update. Obesity, 17(5), 941–964. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2008.636 View source
How to cite this entry
Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. (2026). Weight Stigma. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.
https://dev.nutritional-psychology.org/encyclopedia/weight-stigma/Know a term that belongs in the Encyclopedia?
Share a nutritional psychology term with the CNP editorial team for consideration. Relevant submissions may be reviewed for future development and publication in the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology.
