Weight stigma: a potential barrier to psychiatric/mental health medication care

Weight stigma is pervasive in the United States, and its presence in healthcare settings can lead to an avoidance of healthcare services. This study examined whether experienced weight stigma or weight self-stigma predicted psychiatric/mental health medication visits. A total of 384 self-identified female participants completed an online survey about stigma and utilization of healthcare services. Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that having been discriminated against because of body weight, and weight self-stigma, predicted avoidance. Results suggest weight stigma may have negative implications for psychiatric/mental health medication visits. Implications for social work research, practice, and advocacy are discussed.