Examining Experiences of Weight-Related Oppression in a Bariatric Sample: A Qualitative Exploration

Although the concept of oppression has been studied in the context of many identity variables (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation), body size and weight are just beginning to be considered as additional multicultural or diversity factors that may lead to experiences of oppression or privilege. Previous research has examined weight bias, fat-phobia, obesity stigma, and related concepts, but mostly using quantitative methods and often only in very specific realms (e.g., employment discrimination based on weight/body size). The purpose of the current study was to examine the subjective experiences of weight-related oppression of individuals who are, or have been, of large body size. A sample of 20 adults who have undergone, or are scheduled to undergo, bariatric weight loss surgery were interviewed about their experiences of weight or body size-related oppression, and their responses were qualitatively analyzed using a grounded theory approach. From these qualitative data, 4 overarching construct areas emerged: weight-related oppression occurs at multiple levels, oppression occurs in multiple areas of participants' lives, beliefs and attitudes about weight and body size, and reactions to oppression. Implications and recommendations include incorporating size diversity into existing or new diversity dialogues and trainings, increasing sensitive delivery of health care services, increasing awareness of one's own biases and their impact, and reducing weight-related stigma.