Public Views on Obesity, Bariatric Surgery, and Bariatric Surgery Patients

A Cross-Sectional Survey Study in the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom

Bibliographic Data

ID7738541
AuthorsFranshelis K Garcia (0000-0001-5070-7782, Health and Society, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands, corresponding author), Bob C Mulder (0000-0003-0357-1370, Strategic Communication, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands), Eric J Hazebroek (0000-0001-5458-3334, Human Nutrition and Health, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands), Maria Koelen (0000-0001-6516-8638, Wageningen University & Research), Maria A Koelen (Health and Society, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands), Kirsten T Verkooijen (Health and Society, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands), Kirsten Verkooijen (0000-0002-0735-7024, Wageningen University & Research)
Year2024
Volume58
Issue5
Pages495-525
Publication date2024-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCross-Cultural Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1069-3971 • E-ISSN: 1552-3578
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10693971241275211
OpenAlexW4401975395
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited59

Bariatric surgery is globally stigmatized. There’s a lack of international comparative research on public perceptions of this procedure, and existing studies often overlook public perceptions of individuals undergoing it. Our cross-sectional survey investigated attitudes toward obesity, bariatric surgery, and individuals undergoing it in the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. Of 1807 respondents, the UK displayed more negative attitudes, possibly due to differing beliefs on personal responsibility or national perspectives on obesity treatment. Surprisingly, respondents had positive attitudes toward bariatric surgery patients despite prevailing negative attitudes toward obesity. Perceptions of personal responsibility significantly impacted attitudes toward these patients. Our study challenges the idea of universally negative attitudes toward bariatric surgery and its patients, underlining the importance of understanding these differences to tackle stigma. Further research on cultural, social, and individual influences is essential

Cross-sectional study · Gastric bypass · General surgery · Obesity · Obesity Surgery · Weight loss · Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes · Body Contouring and Surgery · Medicine · Obesity and Health Practices · Internal Medicine · Surgery