A recent study led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has found that adults who became severely obese before the age of 18 are nearly three times more likely to experience serious weight-related stigma compared to those who developed obesity later in life.
This kind of stigma involves being treated unfairly or judged negatively because of a person’s weight or body size. It is not just about feeling hurt—it can have serious effects on mental and physical health.
As childhood obesity continues to rise, more and more people may be dealing with the consequences of this kind of treatment. The findings were published in the International Journal of Obesity and highlight the importance of addressing weight stigma as part of proper care for people living with obesity.
Dr. Jaime Almandoz, one of the lead researchers, said that weight stigma is a public health issue. It can affect a person’s mental well-being, physical health, and even how easily they can get proper medical care.
He explained that many people wrongly believe that obesity is always a result of personal choices or lack of effort, which leads to unfair treatment. This belief can be especially harmful when it comes from doctors, teachers, or family members.
Currently, more than 42% of adults in the United States have obesity. Among young people, about 1 in 5 adolescents are also living with the condition. Even though people of all body types may experience weight stigma, those with obesity are affected more often and more severely.
Past research has shown that weight stigma is linked to many negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, trouble at work or school, low self-esteem, risky behaviors, and even higher chances of gaining more weight.
However, researchers had not been sure whether the age at which someone becomes obese makes a difference in how much stigma they experience. To learn more, Dr. Almandoz and his team collected data from 686 adults who were treated at UT Southwestern’s Weight Wellness Program between 2021 and 2023.
The participants were mostly women, white, and around 56 years old on average. Almost all of them were living with obesity at the time of the study, and nearly two-thirds had severe obesity, which means they had a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
About 23% of the participants said they had already developed obesity by the age of 18, and 6% said they had severe obesity at that age. These individuals reported more frequent and more serious experiences of being mistreated or judged because of their weight than those who became obese as adults.
One of the most common situations described was when doctors focused on their weight even when they were at the clinic for unrelated issues.
Another frequent experience was that others assumed they ate too much just because of their size. These experiences were more common in people who had lived with obesity since childhood, suggesting that early-onset obesity may have lasting effects on a person’s social and emotional life.
Dr. Almandoz emphasized that healthcare workers should pay attention to these experiences. They should ask patients about their full history with weight, including when their obesity began. Understanding this timeline can help doctors identify those who are most affected by stigma and offer better emotional and medical support.
The researchers concluded that early severe obesity is linked to more harmful experiences of weight stigma later in life. These findings show the need for more understanding, not judgment, in how society and healthcare systems treat people with obesity.
Screening for weight stigma and offering support should be part of standard obesity care, especially for those who have lived with the condition since a young age.
In reviewing the study, it becomes clear that the earlier someone becomes obese, the more likely they are to face discrimination, especially from health professionals. This can lead to worse mental health, more social isolation, and even worsening physical health.
Since stigma itself can lead to unhealthy behaviors and discourage people from seeking help, it’s important to create safe, supportive environments—especially in medical settings—where people are not blamed or shamed for their weight.
The study highlights a serious but often overlooked issue and calls for changes in how we talk about and treat obesity, especially when it begins in childhood.
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The research findings can be found in International Journal of Obesity.
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