Exploring Strategies for Addressing Weight Stigma: An Analysis of Health Communication Dynamics and Evolutionary Themes.

AIMS/BACKGROUND

Prevalent societal narratives, terminology, and imagery regarding body weight, obesity, diet, and physical activity reinforce weight stigma, and lead to adverse health and social consequences for individuals throughout their lifespan and body weight continuum. This study analyzed hotspots, frontiers, collaboration mapping, themes, and emerging topics in research on non-stigmatizing language in obesity and weight management (RnSLO).

METHODS

A bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, with data extracted from the Scopus database. The study examined 480 documents (1953-2024) using co-citation analysis, co-occurrence network mapping, and thematic evolution analysis. H-, G-, and M-index metrics were used to assess research impact, while thematic clustering and keyword analysis identified key focus areas. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to assess publication trends, regional contributions, and institutional collaborations.

RESULTS

Research output and citation peaks indicate a growing academic focus on RnSLO. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, led contributions, followed by Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Key institutions, including Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins University, were at the forefront of this research. Collaborative networks and international co-authorships were crucial in advancing the field. Finally, major research themes included obesity management, health communication, and diabetes care, highlighting the domain's interdisciplinary nature.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of RnSLO research, revealing key trends, influential institutions, and collaborative networks. It highlights the growing shift toward inclusive health communication, emphasizing the need for policy interventions to promote non-stigmatizing language in healthcare settings. These insights can inform future clinical practices, public health strategies, and policymaking, thereby ensuring more equitable and patient-centered obesity management.