Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
6.9K
Is weight stigma associated with physical activity? A systematic review
Rebecca L Pearl1,2, Thomas A Wadden2, John M Jakicic3
1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|November 8, 2021
Summary
Weight stigma, including teasing and discrimination, is linked to less physical activity (PA) in adults and youth. However, these effects are often indirect and inconsistent, requiring further research with objective PA measures.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Weight stigma negatively impacts health, partly by reducing health-promoting behaviors.
- Understanding the link between weight stigma and physical activity (PA) is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze evidence on the association between weight stigma and physical activity in adults and youth.
- To synthesize findings on how weight stigma influences engagement in physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Searched three databases for studies on weight stigma and PA.
- Included studies reporting quantitative associations between weight stigma measures and PA behaviors.
- Analyzed 38 eligible studies, including those with adults and youth.
Main Results:
- Weight-based teasing, everyday discrimination, and internalized weight stigma were associated with reduced PA in most studies.
- Associations were mixed, with many studies showing indirect effects of stigma on PA.
- Most adult studies used cross-sectional designs; youth studies were predominantly observational.
Conclusions:
- Weight stigma is associated with decreased physical activity, particularly through weight teasing, discrimination, and internalization.
- The relationship between weight stigma and PA is complex, often indirect, and requires further investigation.
- Future research should prioritize objective PA measures, larger sample sizes, and longitudinal designs.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
23
Physical attractiveness plays a crucial role in shaping interpersonal attraction, influencing first impressions, social interactions, and long-term relationship dynamics. Psychological research consistently demonstrates that attractiveness affects social evaluations and behavioral outcomes in various contexts.Influence on Social InteractionsResearch has shown that individuals perceived as physically attractive often experience preferential treatment in social and professional settings. One...
23
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
75
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
75
01:24Obesity
716
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
716
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
220
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
220
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
249
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
249
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
6.6K
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
6.6K