Researchers at the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University documented the prevalence of self-reported weight discrimination and compared it to experiences of discrimination based on race and gender among a nationally representative sample of adult.

The data on adults ages 25 to 74 were obtained from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States.

The study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, found men aren't at serious risk for weight bias until their body mass index reaches 35 or higher, while women begin experiencing a notable increase in weight discrimination risk at a BMI level of 27.

Study co-author Tatiana Andreyava said weight discrimination is more prevalent than discrimination based on sexual orientation, nationality/ethnicity, physical disability and religious beliefs.

"However, despite its high prevalence, it continues to remain socially acceptable," Andreyava said.