About this course

Learning Objectives

• Describe and define weight stigma and internalized weight bias and explain their effects on psychological well-being and client health behaviors.
• Identify why trauma-informed and stigma-sensitive approaches are required when working with individuals experiencing weight-related distress.

Learning Levels

• Intermediate

Target Audience

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Robyn Pashby, PhD, FTOS

  Clinical Health Psychologist

  Dr. Robyn Pashby is a clinical health psychologist and internationally recognized expert in the psychological and behavioral aspects of weight and other chronic health conditions. As the founder of Health Psychology Partners, she leads a team specializing in the complex intersection of mental health and chronic illness. Dr. Pashby integrates evidence-based psychological and behavioral health strategies with medical science, bridging the gap between psychology and medical care to offer comprehensive, patient-centered treatment. With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Pashby has contributed extensively to the field through clinical practice, research, and leadership. She serves on key national committees for The Obesity Society, the Obesity Action Coalition, and the American Diabetes Association. She is also a Research Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, where she helps shape the future of clinical health psychology. Dr. Pashby is a sought-after speaker and writer, contributing to peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and public health education in the United States and internationally. She is a frequent contributor to major media outlets including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR and others. She co-authored her first book, “The New Food Fight: How the Weight Management and Eating Disorder Fields Became So Divided and What We Can Do About It" in 2025. Dr. Pashby lives and works in Washington, DC.

Disclosure

References

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• Klausen MK, Thomsen M, Wortwein G, Fink-Jensen A. The role of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in addictive disorders. Br J Pharmacol. 2022;179(4):625-641. doi:10.1111/bph.15677
• Post, S.M., Stock, M.L. & Persky, S. Comparing the Impact of GLP-1 Agonists vs. Lifestyle Interventions and Weight Controllability Information on Stigma and Weight-Related Cognitions. Int.J. Behav. Med. 32, 528–540 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-025-10353-2
• Post SM, Persky S. The effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist use on negative evaluations of women with higher and lower body weight. Int J Obes (Lond). Jul 2024;48(7):1019-1026. doi:10.1038/s41366-024-01516-4
• Puhl RM. Weight Stigma and Barriers to Effective Obesity Care. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2023;52(2):417-428. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2023.02.002
• Romano KA, Heron KE, Sandoval CM, et al. Weight Bias Internalization and Psychosocial, Physical, and Behavioral Health: A Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional and Prospective Associations. Behav Ther. May 2023;54(3):539-556. doi:10.1016/j.beth.2022.12.003
• Sa B, Maristany A, Subramaniam A, et al. Psychiatric effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists: A systematic review of emerging evidence. Diabetes Obes Metab. Jan 2026;28(1):50-59. doi:10.1111/dom.70198
• Standen, E.C., Phelan, S.M. & Tomiyama, A.J. An experimental investigation of the stigmatization of weight loss and regain from GLP-1 receptor agonist use and cessation. Int J Obes (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-026-02061-y