Despite weight loss surgery, patients still report feeling stigmatized, Utah study found
Jun 10, 2025, 1:13 PM
A University of Utah study found that stigma associated with excess weight can continue even afer weight-loss surgery. They concluded that doctors can lessen the stigma by speaking to patients differently about weight. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — The way we speak to others about their weight can have a greater impact on both their mental and physical health, even after losing weight.
That’s the conclusion of a study conducted at the University of Utah.
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The study, published in Health Psychology, focused on people who had weight loss surgery.
Researchers found that after surgery, patients reported better mental health and eating behaviors, along with weight loss. But about 40% of the patients surveyed still felt stigmatized by their weight, which can lead to a worsening quality of life.
Clinical psychologist and study author Larissa McGarrity said she hopes that, as a result of this study, doctors will be more mindful of how they speak with their weight loss patients.
“The way we explain weight loss to patients, that weight is in fact quite complicated, and that we understand that, and we understand the impact that stigma has on their health as well. That we see them as a whole person and want to treat them that way,” McGarrity said.
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When people have positive interactions with others regarding their bodies, McGarrity said, they are more likely to eat better and mentally feel better, leading to better overall health than just having a lower body mass index.
MGarrity hopes that, as a result of the study, everyone, especially health providers, will be more mindful of their own stigmas and treat weight loss patients first as a whole person.
She said this can be done by using language that puts patients first.
