Law, Stigma, and Meaning: Implications for Obesity and HIV Prevention.

Public health law has focused primarily on combatting stigma through laws targeting discrimination based on attributes (de jure), when the reach of stigma extends far beyond mere appearances. By exploring the lived experience of stigmatized individuals, policy makers might more deeply understand public health problems, more appropriately create health policies, and more effectively promote positive health behaviors. Efforts to address stigma must focus on all aspects of stigma to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]