Overview

• A study published June 5, 2025 in Health Psychology followed almost 150 University of Utah Health bariatric patients over several years to measure shifts in stigma and psychological outcomes.
• Reductions in weight-related stigma were strongly linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and disordered eating, whereas BMI changes showed no significant association with these mental health measures.
• Patients reporting decreased stigma after surgery adopted healthier eating patterns, achieved greater weight-loss maintenance, and noted improvements in overall quality of life.
• Approximately 40% of participants continued to experience substantial weight stigma post-surgery, placing them at heightened risk for mental health challenges and weight recurrence.
• Researchers emphasize the importance of implementing targeted stigma-reduction interventions in healthcare settings and broader society to support long-term well-being for individuals with obesity.