title: Weight-based discrimination: an ubiquitary phenomenon?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite strong indications of a high prevalence of weight-related stigmatization in individuals with obesity, limited attention has been given to the role of weight discrimination in examining the stigma obesity. Studies, up to date, rely on a limited basis of data sets and additional studies are needed to confirm the findings of previous studies. In particular, data for Europe are lacking, and are needed in light of a recent ruling of the European Court of Justice that addressed weight-based discrimination.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data were derived from a large representative telephone survey in Germany (n=3003). The dependent variable, weight-based discrimination, was assessed with a one-item question. The lifetime prevalence of weight discrimination across different sociodemographic variables was determined. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of independent and dependent variables. A sub-group analysis was conducted analyzing all participants with a body mass index ⩾25 kg m(-)(2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall prevalence of weight-based discrimination was 7.3%. Large differences, however, were observed regarding weight status. In normal weight and overweight participants the prevalence was 5.6%, but this number doubled in participants with obesity class I (10.2%), and quadrupled in participants with obesity class II (18.7%) and underweight (19.7%). In participants with obesity class III, every third participant reported accounts of weight-based discrimination (38%). In regression models, after adjustment, the associations of weight status and female gender (odds ratio: 2.59, P<0.001) remained highly significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Discrimination seems to be an ubiquitary phenomenon at least for some groups that are at special risk, such as heavier individuals and women. Our findings therefore emphasize the need for research and intervention on weight discrimination among adults with obesity, including anti-discrimination legislation.
authors: Leipzig University Medical Center, IFB AdiposityDiseases, Leipzig, Germany.|Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Sikorski
authors: Leipzig University Medical Center, IFB AdiposityDiseases, Leipzig, Germany.|Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Spahlholz
authors: Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Hartlev
authors: Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: S G
authors: SG
authors: Riedel-Heller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D057545:Social Stigma; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D013851:Thinness / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*