Weight stigma and its implications for health and dental care
a narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35699/2178-1990.2026.57680Keywords:
social stigma, obesity, public health, dentistryAbstract
Aim: To analyze the manifestations of weight stigma in healthcare settings, with emphasis on the dental context, and to propose evidence-based strategies to reduce its consequences on access and quality of care.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted in November 2024 in the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases, using descriptors in Portuguese and English combined with Boolean operators. A total of 23 articles published between 2010 and 2024 were included, selected by two independent reviewers following the application of inclusion criteria (addressing stigma in healthcare services) and exclusion criteria (pediatric studies or lack of full-text availability).
Results: The findings of this review show that weight stigma manifests recurrently in healthcare services, both through interpersonal interactions, such as disparaging comments and hasty assumptions, and through structural barriers, including the lack of appropriate equipment. This phenomenon contributes to avoidance of healthcare services, lower treatment adherence, and worsening of anxiety and depression symptoms. In the dental care context, additional challenges are noted, including the lack of professional preparedness and the need for specific training, as well as the importance of institutional strategies and structural adaptations to ensure equitable care.
Conclusions: Weight stigma represents a systemic barrier to access and quality of healthcare, including dental care. Strategies such as professional training, service adaptations, and inclusive policies are essential to mitigate bias and foster more equitable and integrated care environments.
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