Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) presents “Ask An Expert”, a series where team members from our Bariatric Centre of Excellence answer questions they commonly encounter. For more information on our Regional Bariatric Care Centre, please visit bit.ly/TBRHSC-RBCC. This month’s question is answered by Rae-Anne Robinson, Social Worker, Regional Bariatric Care Centre at TBRHSC.

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What is internalized weight bias?

Internalized weight bias refers to when an individual believes the weight-based stereotypes and negative attitudes held by others about weight, and directs these beliefs toward themselves. Internalized weight bias can negatively affect mental health, self-esteem, body image, and quality of life; it can also limit motivation to engage in health-related behaviours, and contribute to disordered eating.