Reducing Weight stigma and its health impacts

About the project

About the Project Obesity is one of society’s greatest challenges with 2/3rds of UK adults living with overweight or obesity. Weight stigma (anti-fat attitudes, weight-based prejudice and discrimination) is experienced by 54% of adults. Our research and others' shows that experiencing weight stigma deters individuals from engaging in healthy behaviours targeted in obesity interventions (e.g. healthy diets, increased physical activity and utilising health care; Zhu, Smith, & Buteau, 2022). Despite a wealth of research in this area, important gaps remain. In particular, there is limited understanding of how weight stigma is experienced within underserved and marginalised communities. There is also a lack of evidence-based interventions designed to reduce societal weight stigma and mitigate its harmful impacts on health and wellbeing. This PhD project will investigate the lived experience of weight stigma in underserved communities and work collaboratively with people living with obesity to co-design potential interventions. Depending on the candidate’s interests and methodological expertise, the project may involve qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed-methods approaches, including systematic review and meta-analysis, the development and pilot testing of interventions aimed at reducing stigma and improving health outcomes. A strong emphasis will be placed on patient and public involvement throughout the research process, ensuring that people with lived experience help shape the design, interpretation, and dissemination of findings to maximise real-world relevance and impact. The project would suit applicants with interests in health psychology, social psychology, behavioural science, public health, or related disciplines. Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods would be beneficial.

Research areas