Abstract
Weight stigma is a pervasive issue promoting significant adverse health and psychosocial
consequences. Preconception, pregnant, and postpartum women are particularly vulnerable
to weight stigma, which can directly impact their health and that of the next generation.
Of note, weight stigma affects women living with obesity who are already at risk for
developing gestational diabetes and experiencing associated stigmas. This narrative
review aimed to examine the literature on weight stigma across the preconception,
pregnancy, and postpartum periods, specifically to (1) synthesize the evidence using
a socioecological lens; (2) develop a conceptual model of weight stigma tailored to
women across this life phase; and (3) provide recommendations for future research.
To date, weight stigma research across the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum
periods has focused predominately on pregnancy and antenatal care. The drivers and
facilitators of this stigma are pervasive, occurring across various contexts and settings.
Manifestations of weight stigma include decreased reproductive healthcare quality,
mental health symptoms, poorer health behaviors, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Future
research should further investigate the experiences of women preconception and postpartum,
and health/social impacts beyond healthcare. The model herein will guide such research
to ultimately identify opportunities for stigma reduction and improve multigenerational
health and well-being outcomes.
Keywords weight stigma - weight bias - preconception - pregnancy - postpartum
