Sunday 1 November 2026

Weight bias : Causes, consequences and solutions 

What is weight bias? 

Weight bias is a collection of negative beliefs that we have about a person based on their body weight, size, or shape. It affects around 40% of adults and has many negative impacts on physical and mental health. Research shows that racialized people experience weight bias at higher rates than non-racialized people at the same BMI.  These judgments are not based on fact and are often shaped by the world around us. These beliefs shape our idea of what is “normal” and can influence how we think about or treat others.  

Who experiences weight bias? 

Anyone can experience weight bias because everyone has a body. However, weight bias impacts people in larger bodies most often. This is because of the idea that a person’s weight is within their control and because of the societal message that larger bodies are less healthy.  The assumption that someone’s weight is within their control is too simple and does not consider all of the factors that influence someone’s weight and health. These include genetics, biology, access to health care, income, housing, education, and social supports, to name a few.  

It’s important to know that health cannot be determined by body size alone.  It is possible for people of all body shapes and sizes to have healthy habits and to be mentally and physically well. 

What does weight bias look like? 

Weight bias can show up in many situations, without people realizing it. It may look like comments about someone’s weight or appearance, even if they are meant as compliments. For example, saying “you look great, did you lose weight?” can suggest that a smaller body is more desirable. Weight bias can also appear when people make assumptions about someone else’s health, habits, or abilities based only on how they look. Sometimes it shows up in the way we think about ourselves, like believing that our bodies need to be “fixed” to be accepted. It can also be seen in media, where larger bodies are often left out or cast in a bad light. While these experiences may seem small, they can have very real consequences.  

What are the impacts of weight bias? 

Research shows that being judged for our weight harms mental and physical health. This increases stress, which raises cortisol levels and blood pressure. People who experience weight bias are also less likely to do things that improve health like regular physical activity and to have nourishing eating patterns. This is because of the shame and judgement they can experience. 

In fact, people who experience weight bias are more likely to report depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. These experiences can create feelings of shame and make it harder to feel confident or accepted. 

These feelings can go as far as influencing how some people interact with the health care system. Some people might avoid medical appointments because they fear being judged or not taken seriously. In some cases, a person’s weight might be blamed for symptoms instead of looking for the root causes. This can lead to a wrong or delayed diagnosis and increase distrust in the health system.  

What can we do to reduce weight bias? 

Reducing weight bias starts with looking at our own beliefs and assumptions. We can ask ourselves what ideas we have about people based on their body size and where those beliefs came from. Being open to learning new information and challenging our own assumptions can help us be more respectful towards people in all bodies. 

Another important step is focusing on healthy behaviors rather than body size. Health is influenced by many factors and cannot be determined by appearance alone. Daily exercise, getting enough sleep, connecting with friends and family, and nourishing ourselves supports well-being for people of all sizes.  

Key takeaways 

Weight bias is common and can have serious effects on mental, physical and emotional health. It may discourage people from getting health care, having healthy habits, and it contributes to unfair treatment of people in larger bodies.  

The good news is that weight bias can be reduced. By questioning our assumptions, focusing on health rather than weight, recognizing that health is so much more that a body size and using respectful language, we can help create environments where people feel valued. When we choose compassion, inclusion, and respect over judgment, we help build healthier communities for everyone.  

Author: 

Chantal de Laplante, RD, MPH , Public Health Nutritionist,

Chronic Disease Prevention Team  

Ottawa Public Health