Association Between Peak Body Mass Index and Experienced Weight Stigma Among Adults With Obesity

ABSTRACT Background Experienced weight stigma (WS) is associated with negative health and psychosocial outcomes; however, the association of lifetime peak body mass index (BMI) with experienced WS remains unclear. This study examines the association between peak BMI and experienced WS. Methods Cross‐sectional survey data from 794 patients in an academic obesity medicine program were analyzed. Experienced WS was assessed using the Stigmatizing Situations Inventory—Brief and was examined as a continuous variable. Multivariable linear regression analysis performed the association between peak BMI and experienced WS, adjusting for demographics and bariatric surgery (MBS) history. Results Participants (mean age: 56.2 years, 86.3% female) had a mean peak BMI of 44.3 kg/m 2 . More frequent experienced WS was more prevalent in those with peak BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 versus < 40 kg/m 2 (58.5% vs. 34.1%, p < 0.001). After adjustment, per‐unit increase in peak BMI was associated with a 0.54 experienced WS score increase ( = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.65; p < 0.001). MBS history was associated with increased experienced WS score, while older age and Non‐Hispanic Black were associated with lower WS score. Conclusion Increasing peak BMI is associated with higher experienced WS scores, independent of current BMI. Clinicians should consider weight history to identify at‐risk individuals and inform stigma‐reducing interventions.