The stigmatization of obesity from a gender perspective: A systematic review

Abstract

Worldwide, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased. In Europe, from 1980 to 2015, it has increased by 11.6% and 8.4%, respectively. Weight stigma remains present in several settings, often stigmatizing individuals with obesity and finding remarkable differences according to gender. In order to contrast this evidence, this review was based on searches in different databases, analyzing 28 empirical articles, and comparing experiences of stigmatization of women and men with overweight or obesity. The results showed that women with overweight experienced weight stigma and faced gender inequalities, a situation that occurred in different areas of life. These findings align with previously published evidence and have important implications for improving the daily lives of women with overweight and obesity.