This Surgery Can Lead to Weight Loss—But Stigma Is Harder to Shake Off

In this episode of Scientific American Science Quickly, Rachel Feltman interviews Dr. Larissa McGarrity about her research on weight stigma and its impact on patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The study revealed that while some patients experienced reduced weight stigma after surgery, a significant percentage continued to face discrimination, leading to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and disordered eating. Dr. McGarrity explains that weight stigma doesn't simply disappear with weight loss, as patients may still fall outside societal ideals and internalize negative messages. She emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers adopting a weight-neutral approach, focusing on overall health and well-being rather than solely on the number on the scale, and addressing weight stigma as a critical factor in patient care, both before and after bariatric surgery.