Compounding stigma: An experimental study comparing perceptions of an individual using Ozempic, bariatric surgery, or...

Weight loss is a billion-dollar industry; methods of weight loss influence weight stigma and person perception. Prior research suggests individuals undergoing bariatric surgery face compounding prejudice from both their physical condition and the surgery itself. Bariatric surgery is often viewed as "taking the easy way out." Emerging evidence reveals similar sentiments regarding weight loss drugs. To date, no research has directly tested whether attitudes about a person differ if they underwent bariatric surgery compared to weight loss drugs. Thus, the present study empirically tests whether perceptions of a person vary as a function of their chosen weight loss strategy. A sample of 297 participants (78.8% women, M_age = 20.2, 42.4% BMI > 25.0 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to view one of three vignettes describing a woman ("Alex") who lost weight (and then regained it later) through either bariatric surgery, a common weight loss medication (i.e., Ozempic), or behavioral modification (i.e., diet/exercise alone). Participants were presented questionnaires regarding their beliefs/attitudes toward Alex, weight, and weight loss strategies. Results demonstrate that Alex was viewed more negatively and assumed to be less healthy if she lost weight through Ozempic compared to diet and exercise alone. There were no differences if Alex lost weight through bariatric surgery compared to the other methods. Further, it was clear participants underestimate the prevalence of weight regain and misjudge the efficacy of various weight management strategies. This work highlights the need for empirically informed information on body weight in public health and mitigation strategies for weight stigma.