Weight stigma in adolescents: sex differences, prevalence, emotional impact, and associations with BMI increases - a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Weight stigma is an important public health concern due to its association with increased stress and adverse health outcomes, including poor metabolic health and weight gain. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and emotional impact of perceived weight stigma (PWS) during adolescence and its association with weight changes into young adulthood, with a focus on sex differences. We hypothesised that a high frequency of PWS during adolescence correlates with an increased emotional impact of PWS, that there are variations in PWS between sexes, and that PWS is associated with increased weight gain for both sexes.

Methods

A total of 2,466 young adults from Denmark were recruited for this cohort study. Participants recalled PWS from ages 15-20 via self-reported

SUBMITTER: Just-Norregaard V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12326651 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature