My article appeared originally on Recovery Brands’ Pro Corner site.Karina, a 42-year-old obese woman, put off her annual doctor’s appointment again. The reason for her reluctance? Karina fears her doctor’s judgments and admonitions about her weight. Several years back, her doctor read her the riot act about her weight and since that visit, Karina’s weight has climbed even more.Karina is not alone. Research indicates that higher weight individuals report experiencing weight stigma and negative stereotypes across a variety of situations and at the hands of family members, friends, doctors, bosses, teachers, and often, strangers.Last month marked the second annual Weight Stigma Awareness Week. The annual event, hosted by the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA), seeks to raise awareness around weight bias and offers