The relationship between Obesity Stigmatisation and Healthcare Access: Investigating the experiences of Obese African American Women within the United States of America

Abstract

Introduction

Obesity is a primary global health concern and requires a deep understanding and level of analysis to protect the health of many individuals. However, obesity stigmatisation dramatically contributes to the burden of obesity and is often neglected within studies of obesity. Since obesity stigmatisation incorporates gender, racial and socioeconomic differences, its impact on African American women in the USA is vast, where they experience healthcare very differently than other social groups.

Method

A literature review was carried out to explore how obesity stigmatisation impacts African American woman’s access to healthcare within the USA. The Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework (HSDF) is used to analyse the impact of stigmatisation on marginalised groups, health, health-related behaviour, and healthcare experiences. The framework allows comparisons and links to be made between social groups, individuals and institutions related to the health concern.

Results

The negative impacts of obesity stigmatisation were acknowledged to show how it prevents marginalised individuals from accessing adequate, fair and non-discrimination healthcare. When marginalised individuals, and in this case, African American women, experience stigmatising encounters within both general society and healthcare settings, they are less likely to feel confident when accessing services, and trust implications between practitioners and patients arise. Additionally, many studies suggest healthcare settings are engrained and built upon discriminatory viewpoints, making these environments hostile and considerable contributors to the obesity epidemic.

Conclusion

To reduce the burden of obesity and improve the level of healthcare engagement of obese individuals, national and global efforts are required to reduce the negative impacts of obesity stigmatisation. Interventions that promote educational awareness, social support networks, and equality will positively impact reducing stigmatisation. These interventions will assist in encouraging obese individuals to access healthcare regardless of the reason for their visit and improve the social treatment of marginalised groups.