Making people feel ashamed about their weight does not help them to lose it. In fact, many may simply gain more, a new study has found.

UK researchers set out to investigate the popular theory that discrimination or ‘fat shaming' encourages people to lose weight. Types of discrimination include being harassed about weight, being disrespected and receiving poor service in shops.

The four-year study involved almost 3,000 people, 5% of whom said they had been discriminated against because of their weight.

The researchers found that those who had been ‘fat shamed' gained more weight than those who were not. On average, those who were not discriminated against lost almost a pound and a half during the study period. However, those who were discriminated against gained over two pounds.

"There is no justification for discriminating against people because of their weight. Our results show that weight discrimination does not encourage weight loss, and suggest that it may even exacerbate weight gain," commented the study's lead author, Dr Sarah Jackson, of University College London.

She noted that previous studies have found that people who are made to feel ashamed about their weight may resort to comfort eating, and stress may also play a role.

"Stress responses to discrimination can increase appetite, particularly for unhealthy, energy-dense food. Weight discrimination has also been shown to make people feel less confident about taking part in physical activity, so they tend to avoid it," Dr Jackson said.

The researchers insisted that weight discrimination ‘is part of the obesity problem and not the solution'.

"Weight bias has been documented not only among the general public but also among health professionals and many obese patients report being treated disrespectfully by doctors because of their weight. Everyone, including doctors, should stop blaming and shaming people for their weight and offer support, and where appropriate, treatment," they added.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, Obesity.