Study Reveals Weight Stigma Hinders Women’s Access to Health Care

A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota has highlighted the significant impact of weight stigma on women’s access to health care. Published in the Medical Research Archives, the findings reveal that negative biases related to weight can deter individuals from seeking necessary medical attention. This issue, often overshadowed by financial barriers, requires urgent attention to improve the health care experiences of women.

The study involved a survey of over 300 participants and focused on identifying factors that contribute to feelings of shame during medical visits. Lead author Virginia Ramseyer Winter, an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development and the School of Social Work, emphasized the importance of understanding why individuals avoid health care. “It is critical for us to know why people are avoiding health care because they could be avoiding or delaying lifesaving preventive care,” she stated.

The research indicates that weight-related stigma is a significant reason for this avoidance. Co-author Elizabeth O’Neill, an associate professor of social work at Washburn University, noted, “These factors are ones that health care systems and providers have direct control over and can remedy to improve health care experiences and health outcomes.”

The implications of the study are profound. The researchers advocate for the adoption of weight-inclusive practices that could enhance women’s satisfaction with health care services and encourage greater utilization. The goal is to create an environment that is welcoming to all patients, regardless of their weight.

The study’s findings call for urgent policy and procedural changes within health care systems. By addressing weight stigma, health care providers can help ensure that all individuals receive the care they need without fear of judgment or bias.

As the health sector grapples with various barriers to access, this research serves as a crucial reminder of the need for inclusivity in health care practices. The hope is that these insights will lead to actionable changes that improve the overall health outcomes for women and contribute to a more equitable health care system.

For further details, refer to the study titled “Exploring Potential Solutions to Weight Stigma in Healthcare: A Mixed Methods Study,” authored by Virginia Winter, published in Medical Research Archives in 2025. The study can be accessed with the DOI: 10.18103/mra.v13i10.7010.