Mechanisms of Stigmatization in Family-Based Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Overweight and Obesity

It is well established that overweight and obesity are often accompanied by stigmatization. However, the influence of stigmatization on interventions for remains unknown. Stigma may be particularly harmful to children. This study aimed examine how affects efforts reduce childhood through family interventions. research was conducted in a socially disadvantaged area Denmark. Twenty-seven families forty professionals participated in-depth interviews or workshops. The data were analyzed using CMO configurations from realist evaluation theory developed Link Phelan. Thus, an abductive approach employed analysis, with its foundation rooted empirical data. found mechanisms could 1. restrain parents approaching problem—thereby challenging recruitment; 2. prevent working their children avoid eating unhealthy food fear labeling child as obese; 3. cause experience separation other slimmer members, leading at times status loss, discrimination, self-stigmatization. showed obstruct prevention treatment suggested concept stigma should incorporated into program theories meant obesity.