Are You Being Fat-Shamed?
A newly developed scale measures weight stigma and discrimination.
Posted October 9, 2024 | Reviewed by Tyler Woods
Individuals with larger body sizes are often stereotyped as inferior to others—as less attractive, competent, intelligent, active, self-disciplined, successful, or mentally healthy.
These often inaccurate and hurtful stereotypes can affect many aspects of life (family, romance, work, medical relationships). And they are associated with negative outcomes , such as low self-esteem , poor body image , eating disorders, and depression .
One way weight stigma is perpetuated is through fat microaggressions —the subject of a recent study by Lindloff and colleagues.
Please note that in keeping with the authors’ approach, I will use the descriptor fat in place of big, heavy, large-bodied, and other similar terms, including those that medicalize weight (e.g., overweight, obese). To be clear, the word fat will be used as a value-neutral term intended to carry no judgment and mean no offense.
What are microaggressions?
Fat individuals are stigmatized and discriminated against in myriad ways. Many report experiencing daily microaggressions , which refer to “brief, everyday acts and exchanges of prejudice.”
There are three major categories of microaggressions:
To study fat microaggressions, we need to measure them, which is why Lindloff et al. developed a 40-item measure called the Fat Microaggressions Scale, with a four-factor structure. The four factors are:
The investigations furthermore found that experiencing fat microaggressions was linked with restricting daily activities, distress, and poor health.
High body mass index (BMI) was not a predictor of behavioral or psychological symptoms after “accounting for experienced microaggressions.”
Many fat people experience microaggressions —daily interactions that disrespect and devalue them.
These interactions come in many forms: direct and indirect experiences, clothing exclusion, and unsolicited advice regarding healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss.
It is important to note that microaggressions are not always intentional: Overhearing a thin person complain, “I feel fat today,” or witnessing people laughing at a fat TV character are also microaggressions.
But whether intentional or not, these acts and comments invalidate and shame fat people, promote defensiveness, and reinforce discriminatory social norms.
And they can have serious consequences . Previous research on racial, LGBTQ, and disability microaggressions shows that they are associated with negative outcomes, including poor self-esteem, stress , anxiety , sleeplessness , fatigue, pain, physical health problems, depression, substance abuse , and suicidal thoughts.
Share this post Facebook Bluesky Linkedin Email
There was a problem adding your email address. Please try again.
By submitting your information you agree to the Psychology Today Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Arash Emamzadeh attended the University of British Columbia in Canada, where he studied genetics and psychology. He has also done graduate work in clinical psychology and neuropsychology in U.S.
Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.
This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.