The Social Weight of Surgery: Understanding metabolic and bariatric surgery stigma through public attitudes, professional practice, and patient experience

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), often called obesity surgery, is one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity. However, people who undergo this surgery often face stigma, not only because of their weight, but also because they chose surgery. These negative attitudes can affect their wellbeing, relationships, and healthcare experiences. Despite this, little is known about how common this stigma is, what it looks like, and how it affects patients.

This thesis explores MBS stigma from the perspectives of the public, healthcare professionals, and patients. Using surveys and interviews, it examines how stigma develops, is expressed, and is experienced in everyday life and healthcare settings. The findings show that MBS stigma is widespread and shaped by social and cultural beliefs. They also reveal its impact on patients and the healthcare professionals who care for them. Finally, this research demonstrates that MBS stigma is distinct from obesity stigma and provides recommendations to improve care, reduce stigma, and guide future research.