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The Weight Bias Task Force has created a fact sheet about the social consequences of being overweight and ways bias and stigmatization can be reduced. Individuals who are obese are frequently subjected to negative attitudes from others, including in relationships, places of residence and business, employment, in educational institutions, medical facilities and the mass media.

These stigmas may be reflected through verbal types of bias, including stereotypes, insults or so-called teasing; physical stigmas that come from aggressive behaviors or physical contact; and other barriers or obstacles that cause personal embarrassment such as seats or spaces being too small or even through medical equipment being too small for proper tests to be conducted. Studies have shown that overweight applicants are rated more negatively and are less likely to be hired than normal weight candidates, and individuals who are obese are likely to be stereotyped with negative traits of being lazy, messy, lacking in self-discipline, less talented and poor role models. Further studies have shown that negative stereotypes and treatment exist in educational setting as well, and that qualified overweight students, particularly females, are less likely to be accepted to a college than normal weight peers.

Not surprisingly, individuals who are subject to weight bias are shown to have higher rates of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and poorer psychological adjustment. The result can also lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy by obese persons internalizing the struggles and accepting the stigma instead of trying to challenge stereotypes. The result can be that they develop even lower self-esteem and to eat more and have less motivation to lose weight.

On the other hand, individuals who are obese who are able to surround themselves by others who will offer encouraging words, respect and like them as individuals and for their personality and contributions to society, may become better motivated to what to improve their overall appearance and fitness level. Having a set of supportive friends and family members also serve to increase the long-term success for individuals who elect to have weight-loss surgery.