AI Article Synopsis
- - The study explores how mass media contributes to weight stigma and examines media-based interventions aimed at reducing this stigma, highlighting a lack of comprehensive understanding that affects policy development.
- - A systematic review analyzed 113 studies, revealing that stigmatising content is widespread across various media, often blaming individuals for obesity without addressing broader systemic issues, thereby worsening negative attitudes toward those affected.
- - Although some studies showed promising results for media interventions intended to reduce stigma, there is a significant gap in research focused on effective strategies, indicating a need for a shift towards developing and testing these interventions.
Article Abstract
Background: The lack of a comprehensive understanding of the role of mass media in perpetuating weight stigma hinders policy formulation. We reviewed the influence of mass media on weight stigmatisation and the effectiveness of media-based interventions designed to prevent or reduce stigma.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review across seven databases from inception to December 2021. Included studies assessed exposure to or impact of weight stigma in mass media or examined interventions to reduce stigma through media in populations 12+ years. We synthesised data narratively, categorising studies based on similarity in focus to produce a set of integrated findings. The systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42020176306).
Findings: One-hundred-and-thirteen records were eligible for inclusion from 2402 identified; 95 examined the prevalence of stigmatising content in mass media and its impact on stigma. Weight stigma was prevalent across media types, with the dominant discourse viewing overweight and obesity as an individual responsibility and overlooking systemic factors. Exposure to stigmatising content was found to negatively influence attitudes towards people with overweight or obesity. Few studies considered methods of reducing stigma in the media, with only two testing media-based interventions; their results were promising but limited.
Interpretation: Weight stigma in media content is prevalent and harmful, but there is little guidance on reducing it. Future research focus needs to shift from assessing prevalence and impacts to weight stigma interventions.
Funding: None.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9125650 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101464 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Objective: GPs have a complex role in obesity management due to patients' individualized experience of living with obesity, coupled with the challenge to deliver healthcare messages in non-stigmatizing ways. This study aimed to explore who initiates the topic of weight and how weight was discussed in real-world GP-patient consultations.
Method: A multi-disciplinary team, including obesity lived experience experts, undertook a secondary data analysis of 43 Australian video recorded consultations and patient surveys from The Digital Library using descriptive content analysis.
Differences in severity of depression symptoms in overweight, obese and normal weight Palestinian children and adolescents.
Glob Ment Health (Camb)
January 2025
Psychology and Counseling Department An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
Obesity is related to a wide variety of medical and psychological comorbidities which has short- and long-term effects on children's mental health. One of the most significant ones is depression. Thus, the current study utilized a descriptive methodology to explore the differences in depressive symptoms among overweight, obese, and normal-weight Palestinian children and adolescents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHow to reduce the adverse effects of weight stigma on the quality of life: a preferred reported items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA).
Front Psychol
December 2024
Département de psychologie, Université de Poitiers, Université François Rabelais de Tours, CNRS, Poitiers, UMR7295 Centre de recherches sur la cognition et l'apprentissage (CeRCA), Poitiers, France.
Introduction: Obesity, affecting 38% of adults globally, carries economic burdens and health risks like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Weight-loss programs often face challenges due to stigma and poor body image, impacting individuals' quality of life. Research on interventions targeting weight stigma is lacking, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches addressing psychological and behavioral aspects for effective care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWeight Stigma in Medicine.
Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ)
January 2025
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
Assessing exposure to weight stigma: development and initial validation of the Weight Stigma Exposure Inventory (WeSEI).
J Eat Disord
January 2025
Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan.
Background: Weight stigma is pervasive, and it has a significant impact on the social, physical, and psychological health of an individual. Weight stigma is observed from several different sources. Therefore, the present study developed and validated a new instrument, the Weight Stigma Exposure Inventory (WeSEI), to assess different sources of observed weight stigma across interpersonal and non-interpersonal sources.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!