Multiple linear regression analyses were performed investigating the association between weight gain and health care discrimination controlling for a range of socio-demographic and psychological variables. Results: Totally 2633 individuals had complete data on all variables used. The average weight gain in the different weight groups according to sex was: 2.5 kg (SD=6.1) for normal weight women, 2.4 kg (SD=10.0) for moderate obese women, -0.3 kg (SD=15.7) for severe obese women, 3.7 kg (SD=7.4) for normal weight men, 1.4 kg (SD=8.2) for moderate obese men and -1.3 kg (SD=14.4) for severe obese men. Health care discrimination was not associated with weight gain in men (-0.3 kg 95%CI -1.8; 1.1). This was regardless of weight status. In severe obese women, experience of health care discrimination was associated with an average weight gain of 6.3 kg (95%CI 1.0; 11.6). No association was found between health care discrimination and weight gain in normal weight women ( Background: As a society we are increasingly fixated on the consequences of 'being fat'. Public responses have focused on alerting individuals to the risks associated with obesity and the urgent need for intervention and self-regulation. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of these messages on obese adults. This study sought to explore obese individuals' perceptions and attitudes of population based obesity messaging in Australia, how they applied these messages to themselves and how personal and social contexts and experiences influenced these perceptions. Method: We adopted a qualitative approach which utilised indepth semi-structured telephone interviews with a community sample of obese adults (Body Mass Index 30 and over). Theoretical, purposive and strategic sampling techniques were used to ensure a broad representation of individuals from different demographic and geographical backgrounds. We analysed the data using a descriptive thematic approach.