Women's Experiences of Weight Stigma in the Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Periods (PPP): Examining Risk and Resilience Factors

Weight stigma, or being judged or treated unfairly because of body size, disproportionately affects women, especially before, during, and after pregnancy, when women's bodies are often subject to extra monitoring and judgement. This thesis examined both risk and resilience: why some women internalise negative weight-based messages, who may be most affected, and how women protect their body image and sense of self-worth. Across five studies, it showed that weight stigma is not simply about body size, but about how women's bodies are viewed, discussed, and valued. The findings support more compassionate, weight-inclusive approaches to women's reproductive health and wellbeing.