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Obesity Stigmatization and the Importance of the Research of A.J. Stunkard

  • Psychological Issues (M Hetherington and V Drapeau, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Obese individuals face weight-based stigmatization and discrimination in virtually all areas of life. These stigmatizing experiences can lead to detrimental psychological, physical, and societal consequences and may further perpetuate the increasing prevalence of obesity. A. J. Stunkard was one of the first medical professionals to identify and address the serious ramifications of obesity stigmatization on both individual and societal levels. Throughout the last half-century, Stunkard contributed numerous findings and publications to the field of obesity stigmatization. His work laid the foundation and direction for important areas of current research, such as the cultural influences on weight bias, stigmatization among healthcare professionals, weight stigma among children, and the internalization of weight bias by obese individuals. His contributions have had an important influence on the current directions of these fields.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2530 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA

    Janet D. Latner & Emily C. Stefano

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  1. Janet D. Latner
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  2. Emily C. Stefano
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Correspondence to Janet D. Latner.

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Janet D. Latner and Emily C. Stefano declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Psychological Issues

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Latner, J.D., Stefano, E.C. Obesity Stigmatization and the Importance of the Research of A.J. Stunkard. Curr Obes Rep 5, 121–125 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-016-0198-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-016-0198-7

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