Social Perception of Obesity - A 2025 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey Among Adults in Poland

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease. This study aimed to assess public attitudes towards obesity and identify factors influencing its social perception in a representative adult sample in Poland.

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of 1,088 Polish adults was conducted from 23-26 May 2025, using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI).

Most respondents (85.7%) considered obesity a significant health problem in Poland. Nearly half (45.5%) believed obese individuals showed less interest in their health, while 44.2% linked obesity to a lack of health concern. Additionally, 43.2% viewed obesity as a cause for shame. Support for greater societal acceptance of obesity was declared by 45.6%. Multivariable analysis showed that having children increased the odds of recognizing obesity as a major health issue (aOR = 1.58; 95%CI:1.06-2.36, p = 0.03). Men and younger adults were more likely to perceive obese people as less health-conscious (p < 0.05). Viewing obesity as shameful was associated with male gender (aOR = 1.48, 95%CI:1.16-1.91, p = 0.002), age 30-49, higher education (aOR = 1.44, 95%CI:1.11-1.87, p = 0.006), and living in towns of 20,000-499,999 residents.

Obesity is perceived as a significant health problem, but mis-perceptions remain common.