Perception of overweight and obesity from different angles – A qualitative study

Background/Objectives: Obesity prevalence is rising in most countries (1). Aside from negative consequences such as various co-morbidities, reduced life expectancy and the economic impact on health care systems, overweight individuals are also negatively affected by perceived stigmatization and discrimination (2–4). Elucidating the general public's views and perceptions regarding overweight and obesity as well as those of specific populations (e.g. health care professionals) is crucial to develop stigma-reduction interventions. This qualitative study involved focus groups with normal- and overweight members of t…