Do Health Apps Stigmatize People with Obesity?

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2023 Jun 29:305:149-150. doi: 10.3233/SHTI230447.

Abstract

Apps in the "Medicine" category of Apple's App Store were examined concerning the potential stigmatization of people with obesity through word and image language. Only 5/71 potentially stigmatizing apps related to obesity were identified. Stigmatization in this context can occur, for example, through the excessive promotion of very slim people in connection with weight loss-related apps.

Keywords: Health apps; adiposities; stigmatization.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Language
  • Medicine*
  • Obesity*
  • Weight Loss