A qualitative exploration of experiential stigmatisation within different groups living with obesity or being overweight.

Abstract

The Body Image journal was chosen as a reference for the preparation of chapter one, a systematic review exploring the experiences of weight stigma and body shame in men living with obesity or being overweight. The screening process resulted in 20 studies being included in the qualitative synthesis. Result sections of each included study were extracted and analysed following a thematic synthesis methodology. This produced three themes: living in a bigger body, safe vs unsafe spaces and changes in body size over time. The review highlighted the complexities of living with obesity or being overweight. Results indicated the need for additional research within this area; particularly focusing on the intersectionality of gender and weight stigma, increasing male participation in weight loss services and increasing awareness of male experiences from different ethnicities and cultures.

The Body Image journal was also chosen as a reference for the preparation of chapter two, an empirical study exploring the experiences of Black individuals living with obesity or being overweight within the United Kingdom. Within this qualitative study, 17 interviews were conducted and the data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified through the analysis; cultural differences and perceptions of body size and weight gain, lived experience of stigma and experiences within healthcare. The results indicated important areas of direction for future research, such as the intersectionality of race and weight. Future research should also focus on understanding why Black individuals have limited representation within existing services designed to support individuals living with obesity or being overweight.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Katy Sivyer: orcid.org/0000-0003-4349-0102

ORCID for Catherine Brignell: orcid.org/0000-0001-7768-6272

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