The study, written by Jason Seacat, a psychologist from Western New England University, revealed some saddening statistics. Whilst 84% of all the embarrassing incidents involved a physical barrier, a shocking 74% involved nasty comments from others. Meanwhile, 72% of the events included being stared at or negative assumptions being made by other people, suggesting that overweight women are struggling hugely with being stigmatized by the general public.

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Some of the most mortifying events included being mooed at by a teenager and a dentist confessing his concern that his patient might break his chair. Other depressing diary entries described how one of the women was denied food by her boyfriend’s mother, and another detailed how she was accused of being a bad mother because she couldn’t 'control herself'.

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Dr Seacat’s research also reflected the vicious cycle of obesity and fat-shaming. 'Weight stigma may have negative health consequences such as binge eating, reduced weight loss success and diminished personal exercise and dietary health', the study said.

Have you ever witnessed or experienced 'weight shaming?' What can we do to stop it? Let us know your views!

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