Higher-weight social identity as a risk and protective factor in the negative health consequences of weight stigma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Weight stigma causes significant physical and psychological harm to its targets.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to determine when identifying as a member of the higher-weight group exacerbates versus mitigates the adverse effects of weight stigma.

METHODS

Searches were conducted on 10 January, 2025, using PsycInfo, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL. Evidence was synthesised in terms of exacerbating versus protective effects of higher-weight social identity (as moderator/mediator) in the relationship between weight stigma and 18 distinct health outcomes. This review is registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023415639).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies employing weight status measures to assess higher-weight social identity identified actual and self-perceived higher-weight as risk factors for anticipated rejection, dietary control challenges, increased physiological stress and greater functional disability following stigmatisation. Conversely, studies measuring individual connection with the higher-weight group revealed that stronger identification had protective effects on self-esteem and distress, but only for specific individuals (e.g., those with low internalised weight bias).

LIMITATIONS

Grey literature and unpublished studies were not reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial evidence suggests that higher-weight social identity functions as both risk and protective factor in the relationship between weight stigma and well-being.

IMPLICATIONS

Future research should explore the emotional and evaluative components of higher-weight social identity to enhance understanding of how and when group membership influences the adverse effects of weight stigma. This knowledge can inform targeted interventions designed to improve the well-being of higher-weight individuals.

© 2025. The Author(s).