UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health

Rudd Center researchers Rebecca Puhl and Chelsea Heuer published a study in the journal Obesity about the stigmatization of obese adults by employers, educators, health care providers, family members, romantic partners and the media. The study analyzed over 150 scientific studies published since 2000 that provide evidence of weight-based stigma, discrimination, social inequalities and a range of harmful consequences for those who are obese, including vulnerability to depression, low self-esteem, poor body image, eating disorders and exercise avoidance.