Perceptions and stigma of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy in adult Polish women
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22087719 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Tomasz Witaszek (Lukasiewicz Research Network - Krakow Institute of Technology, corresponding author), Karolina Kłoda (0000-0003-0395-9826, Meditest), Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas (0000-0001-6600-2760, Wroclaw Medical University), Mateusz Babicki (0000-0002-7719-6959, Wroclaw Medical University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1687120-1687120 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-12 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1687120 |
| PMID | 41602022 |
| OpenAlex | W7122842396 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 33 |
Background: Obesity has significant social implications, as individuals often face stigma, negative attitudes, prejudice, and social discrimination. This stigma not only leads to negative psychosocial outcomes but also deters people living with obesity from adopting healthy lifestyles and seeking healthcare services, ultimately compromising their overall health and wellbeing. The primary aim of this study was to assess attitudes and stigma related to anti-obesity pharmacotherapy (AOMs) among adult Polish women. A secondary aim was to evaluate whether age, BMI, and a history of AOM use were associated with these outcomes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1,043 adult women residing in Poland completed a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) using a proprietary questionnaire adapted from established stigma scales. Participants were recruited via social media groups focused on lifestyle change and healthcare. Associations with age, BMI, and AOM use history were analyzed using non-parametric tests and Spearman correlations. Results: Older age was associated with more stigmatizing attitudes toward obesity and AOM use, while younger age was linked to more favorable views. Higher BMI was associated with greater self-stigma among AOM users. A positive history of AOM use was consistently associated with lower stigma, with the lowest levels observed among current users. Conclusions: Personal experience with AOM use is associated with more favorable attitudes toward pharmacotherapy and lower self-stigma, whereas younger age among AOM users is linked to greater experienced stigma. These findings highlight the importance of public education that frames obesity as a chronic disease and clarifies the evidence-based role of AOMs, particularly for women without personal experience of AOM use
Disease · Obesity · Perception · Pharmacotherapy · Public health · Young adult · Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes · Obesity and Health Practices · Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment
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The Stigma Scale
Biases in self-reported height and weight measurements and their effects on modeling health outcomes
Relationship of cravings with weight loss and hunger. Results from a 6month worksite weight loss intervention
BodyPositive? A critical exploration of the body positive movement within physical cultures taking an intersectionality approach
Development of self-esteem from age 4 to 94 years
Overt Weight Stigma, Psychological Distress and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes
| Highly cited | No |
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