This project investigated how alternative non-stigmatising public health messages influence people’s health behaviours and well-being, relative to traditional stigmatising weight-loss messages. We conducted three experimental studies (total N = 1281) that compared traditional weight-loss messages to weight-neutral messages (Study 1), weight-inclusive messages (Study 2) and size acceptance messages (Study 3). Results revealed that public health messages have differential effects on health behaviours and well-being, depending on the audience’s BMI or perceived weight. However, campaigns that challenge weight stigma and promote body positivity have positive effects on some psychological indicators of health and well-being for people of all body sizes.

该项目研究了相对于传统的污名化减肥信息，替代性非污名化公共卫生信息如何影响人们的健康行为和福祉。我们进行了三项实验研究（总N  = 1281），将传统减肥信息与体重中性信息（研究 1）、包含体重的信息（研究 2）和尺寸接受信息（研究 3）进行了比较。结果显示，公共卫生信息对健康行为和幸福感的影响不同，具体取决于受众的 BMI 或感知体重。然而，挑战体重耻辱和促进身体积极性的运动对各种体型的人的健康和福祉的一些心理指标产生了积极影响。