Structural weight stigma in healthcare toward preconception, pregnant, and postpartum women: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Structural weight stigma for reproductive-aged women can limit healthcare access and increase physical and mental health concerns, with adverse intergenerational outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence of structural weight stigma in healthcare and determine how that impacts the care for women across the preconception, pregnant, and postpartum periods.

Methodology

The concepts of stigma, weight, healthcare, and women of reproductive age were combined and searched in five databases (Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL) and 12 gray literature sources. Inclusion criteria consisted of any peer-reviewed study or government policy that described a structural element within healthcare (e.g., guidelines, funding, insuranc

SUBMITTER: Tran C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12318919 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature