When exposed to healthcare stigmatisation, individuals living with obesity may be less likely to open-up or seek medical care, leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. The lack of support and increased feeling of shame and guild often leads to a decline in mental health which may result in unhealthy eating behaviours such as binge eating or emotional eating.

Breaking the stigma cycle.
Breaking the weight stigma cycle requires a collective and effective effort. The way we treat and communicate can shape perceptions, attitude, and efforts to help people with obesity. The words that we use in our daily lives, as well as in healthcare settings, hold significant power and can either reinforce stigma or increase empathy and support.

This is why the British Dietetic Association (BDA) has implemented specific communication guidelines. For instance, using first-person language when discussing obesity - eg

• "person with obesity" rather than "obese person”
• avoiding stigmatising or combative language
• using appropriate imagery in the media

...can all help to change the perception around the condition (BDA, 2021). Particularly, the media representation of individuals living with obesity in positive settings, wearing professional clothes, exercising, or eating healthily can be a fantastic way to reduce harmful stereotypes and increase awareness and inclusion. 

Breaking this cycle surrounding weight, health and behaviours is crucial for improving physical as well as mental health of the population group. Another step forward that may help change people's eating behaviour is to integrate a more balanced and mindful approach towards the food we eat.

How to become a 'mindful eater'
One way to incorporate mindful eating into daily life is to start by taking a few deep breaths before each meal or snack. By doing so the body can centre itself in the present moment, making it simpler to focus on the process of eating. 

Moreover, it is important to minimise distractions such as TV, scrolling through the phone or loud music to enable a stronger connection to the food and sensations in your body while eating. 

A key element is to listen to the body’s hunger and fullness cues, which can be assessed using a scale from 1-10 and eating before a high level of hunger is reached and to stop before a prominent level of fullness emerged (BDA, 2023). All this can help to prevent overeating whilst also promoting a healthier relationship with food.

This World Obesity Day, it is crucial to recognise and address harmful perceptions such as weight stigma and bias as it can have detrimental effects on individuals' mental and physical well-being. By promoting mindfulness and kindness towards oneself and others, more space can be made for a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters positive health outcomes and influences healthy decision making.