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). 

During the perinatal period, medical fatphobia represents an additional risk because:

• Women often interact with multiple healthcare professionals.
• The mother’s physical and mental health has a direct impact on the baby’s health.
• The perinatal period involves significant physical and psychological changes during which body image can be particularly vulnerable.

Health professionals and all sectors involved in perinatal care (professional orders, organizations, healthcare institutions, etc.) can implement respectful and weight-inclusive practices.

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.