Full citation: Himmelstein MS, Puhl RM, Quinn DM. Weight stigma and health: The mediating role of coping responses. Health Psychol. 2018;37(2):139-147. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000575

Full citation: Cooksey-Stowers K, Schwartz MB, Brownell KD. Food Swamps Predict Obesity Rates Better Than Food Deserts in the United States. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017;14(11):1366. Published 2017 Nov 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14111366

Full citation Pont SJ, Puhl R, Cook SR, Slusser W; SECTION ON OBESITY; OBESITY SOCIETY. Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents With Obesity. Pediatrics. 2017;140(6):e20173034. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-3034

Full citation: Asada Y, Hughes AG, Read M, Schwartz MB, Chriqui JF. High School Students’ Recommendations to Improve School Food Environments: Insights From a Critical Stakeholder Group. J Sch Health. 2017;87(11):842-849. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12562

Full citation: Robinson TN, Banda JA, Hale L, et al. Screen Media Exposure and Obesity in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2017;140(Suppl 2):S97-S101. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1758K

Full citation: Lapierre MA, Fleming-Milici F, Rozendaal E, McAlister AR, Castonguay J. The Effect of Advertising on Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2017;140(Suppl 2):S152-S156. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1758V

Negative stereotypes and biases against people with obesity are widespread and this weight stigma can be harmful for physical and emotional health. Distinct from experiencing weight stigma, many individuals who are targets of bias also internalize the stigma directed towards them, blaming themselves for the stigma and unfair treatment they experience because of their weight. Internalized weight bias has been linked to concerning health consequences, but little is known about the prevalence of this self-directed stigma – until now.

A new study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut shows that internalized weight bias is prevalent among U.S. women and men, with high levels of internalized weight stigma in approximately 1 in 5 adults in the general population and as many as 52 percent of adults with obesity.

Food and beverage companies claim that healthy lifestyle messages, such as promoting physical activity and good eating habits, in advertising to children teaches them about health and nutrition. However, a new study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut found that children who viewed TV commercials for unhealthy food and drinks that included healthy lifestyle messages rated the products as more healthful compared to children who saw commercials for similar products with a different message. 

Full citation: Harris JL, Haraghey KS, Lodolce M, Semenza NL. Teaching children about good health? Halo effects in child-directed advertisements for unhealthy food. Pediatr Obes. 2018;13(4):256-264. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpo.12257

Full citation: Puhl RM, Himmelstein MS, Quinn DM. Internalizing Weight Stigma: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Considerations in US Adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018;26(1):167-175. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22029