This Surgery Can Lead to Weight Loss—But Stigma Is Harder to Shake Off

Each year more than half a million people undergo bariatric
surgery, a procedure geared toward weight loss. But research shows
that stigma around weight can continue to affect people’s lives
even during recovery from the procedure.  Larissa McGarrity is
a clinical associate professor at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of
Medicine at the University of Utah and lead psychologist at the
school’s comprehensive Weight Management Program. She and her
colleagues assessed 148 people who received bariatric surgery
before their procedure and one and a half and three years after to
learn more about their physical, mental and emotional health over
the recovery period.  Recommended reading: The New Science of
Diet, Weight and Health  The Impact of Weight Stigma on
Health  E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any
questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover! Discover
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