Abstract
Obesity stigma is a pervasive social issue with substantial psychological, social, and economic consequences. This paper reviews the impact of weight-based discrimination across five key demographic factors: income, age, education, sex, and race. The findings indicate that individuals with lower socioeconomic status face heightened levels of stigma, particularly within healthcare settings. Age-related differences show that younger individuals often experience more intense social pressure than adults. Lower educational attainment is associated with greater internalized stigma and increased psychological distress. Sex-based disparities reveal that women and men experience obesity stigma in different contexts, while racial differences shape distinct experiences of stigma, with Black, Hispanic, and other racial groups facing unique challenges. Addressing obesity stigma requires a multifaceted approach, including education for healthcare providers and targeted public health campaigns. A deeper understanding of these determinants can guide policy development, reduce bias, and promote equitable healthcare for individuals living with obesity.