#49: Why do we need to keep talking about weight stigma?

with Jeffrey Hunger, PhD

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In this episode we discuss…

  • what brought jeff to his work studying weight stigma

  • weight stigma as the negative stereotypes, prejudice, and social devaluation faced by higher body weight individuals

  • the mental and physical health consequences of weight stigma

  • the misconception that stigma helps lead to weight loss and positive changes in health behaviors

  • stigmatizing smoking vs. weight as a public health promotion tool

  • why people turn to weight loss to cope with weight stigma and oppression

  • the ironic effects of weight stigma, including avoidance of physical activity, changes in eating behavior, and weight gain over time

  • the impact of internalized weight stigma

  • positive changes in the research field in the last decade

  • the need for further research on the relationship between weight and health, and for that research to be accessible and translated to the public

  • social identities that are at higher risk for experiencing weight stigma

  • the need to centralize the voices of people in larger bodies in conversations about weight stigma

  • jeff’s answer to the million dollar question

Social psychologist Dr. Jeff Hunger helps us dig deeper into the available research on weight stigma. He highlights some ironic misconceptions about the impact of weight stigma, including its consequences for mental and physical health. We also discuss how parents and healthcare providers can translate research findings to their daily lives.

Get our guide to body-positive parenting.

 

Jeffrey M. Hunger, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Miami University. As a social and health psychologist, his research using insights from psychology to understand and ultimately improve the health of stigmatized groups (e.g., higher body weight individuals, racial and sexual minorities). You can read more about his work at JeffreyHunger.com.

Connect with Jeff on his website, Twitter, and Instagram.

Resources mentioned:

Jordan Best