Internalized weight bias (WBI) is a stronger predictor of negative healthcare experiences than simply experiencing weight stigma. People with higher WBI in six Western countries reported avoiding doctors, feeling judged, and having lower quality care. Weight stigma from doctors is extremely common, impacting care even after accounting for BMI.

The study received funding from WW International (formerly Weight Watchers), and one of the authors (GDF) is an employee and shareholder of WW. While this funding source and affiliation represent potential conflicts of interest, it's important to note that the authors acknowledge these connections and claim adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

This study is the first multinational investigation of the associations between weight stigma and healthcare experiences, making a significant contribution to the field. The use of identical measures and comparable samples across countries strengthens the study's rigor, allowing for meaningful comparisons and providing valuable insights into the consistency of findings across different Western countries. The identification of internalized weight bias as a key predictor of adverse healthcare experiences is a novel and important finding. While the study's limitations regarding causality and sample diversity warrant consideration, the overall quality and impact of the research merit a strong rating. The conflict of interest is noted, but does not fundamentally compromise the methodology.