Rebecca Puhl

Rebecca Puhl is a Professor at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in the Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, affiliated with the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health. She holds academic rank as Professor and focuses on weight-based stigma, bias reduction, and health disparities. Her work spans clinical psychology, public health policy, and pediatric research.

Education:

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Yale University (2004)
• M.S., Psychology, Yale University (2001)
• B.A.H., Psychology, Queen’s University (1999)

Research Interests: Dr. Puhl’s research addresses weight stigma in youth and adults, including its origins, impacts on mental/physical health, and interventions to reduce bias. Key areas include:

• Media and policy analysis of weight discrimination
• Health consequences of weight bullying
• Development of anti-stigma programs
• Diabetes and healthcare provider bias

Recent Article Trends: Her 2020–2025 publications emphasize global stigma reduction strategies, diabetes stigma, family communication about weight, and the societal costs of body dissatisfaction. She collaborates internationally on policy initiatives and clinical trials targeting bias mitigation.

Awards:

• UConn AAUP Excellence in Research (2023)
• World’s Highly Cited Researcher (2021)
• Obesity Society Scientific Achievement Award (2018)
• William Kessen Teaching Award (2002)

Grants/Advising: Active in editorial roles for Stigma & Health and Obesity: Science and Practice. Advises on federal and global health initiatives, including the World Obesity Federation’s stigma reduction campaigns. Media appearances include New York Times, Scientific American, and BBC.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Rudd Center’s stigma research programs, focusing on policy advocacy and interdisciplinary collaborations with medical professionals, educators, and policymakers.