Internalized weight stigma in women with class III obesity: A randomized controlled trial of a virtual lifestyle modification intervention followed by a mindful self-compassion intervention

Psychological interventions for internalized weight stigma: a systematic scoping review of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy

BACKGROUND

Internalized weight stigma (IWS) is highly prevalent and associated with deleterious mental and physical health outcomes. Initiatives are needed to address IWS and promote effective coping and resilience among individuals who are exposed to weight stigma. We conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature on psychological interventions for IWS and explored their intervention components, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy at reducing IWS and related negative physiological and psychological health outcomes.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included: (1) Psychological intervention; (2) Published in English; and (3) Included IWS as an outcome. Exclusion criteria included: (1) Commentary or review; and (2) Not a psychological intervention. A narrative review framework was used to synthesize results.

RESULTS

Of 161 articles screened, 20 were included. Included interventions demonstrated high feasibility, acceptability, and engagement overall. Sixteen of 20 included studies observed significant reductions in IWS that were maintained over follow-up periods, yet data on whether interventions produced greater reductions than control conditions were mixed. Studies observed significant improvements in numerous physical and mental health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that existing interventions are feasible, acceptable, and may provide meaningful improvements in IWS and associated health outcomes, highlighting the potential for psychological interventions to promote improved health and wellbeing in individuals with IWS. High-quality studies using rigorous study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials) are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of interventions for IWS.

Interventions to Reduce Skin-related Self-stigma: A Systematic Review

Self-stigma beliefs are common among people with visible chronic skin diseases and can negatively affect their quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing. Hence, evidence-based interventions are urgently needed. The objective for this systematic review was to summarize research on available interventions and evaluate their benefits and limitations. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted an electronic database search of four databases (EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science). Studies were eligible if they (a) investigated interventions to reduce self-stigma in adults with chronic skin disease, (b) were original empirical articles, and (c) were written in English or German. Two independent reviewers conducted the abstract and full text screening as well as data extraction. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. The initial search yielded 5811 abstracts; of which, 23 records were eligible. Studies addressed a broad range of skin conditions, and interventions ranged from social skills training, counselling and self-help to psychosocial and behavioural interventions. Overall, interventions had mostly positive effects on self-stigma and related constructs. However, the study quality was heterogeneous, and further efforts to develop, thoroughly evaluate and implement interventions tackling self-stigma in multiple skin conditions and languages are warranted.

Psychological Interventions for Internalized Weight Stigma: A Systematic Review of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy

Background

Internalized weight stigma (IWS) is highly prevalent and associated with deleterious mental and physical health outcomes. Initiatives are needed to address IWS and promote effective coping and resilience among individuals who are exposed to weight stigma. We conducted a systematic review of psychological interventions for IWS and examined their feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy at reducing IWS and related negative physiological and psychological health outcomes.

Methods

Eight databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included: (1) psychological intervention; (2) published in English; and (3) included internalized weight stigma as an outcome. Exclusion criteria included: (1) commentary or review; and (2) not a psychological intervention. A systematic narrative review framework was used to synthesize results.

Results

Of 161 articles screened, 20 were included. Included interventions demonstrated high feasibility, acceptability, and engagement overall. Sixteen of 20 included studies observed significant reductions in IWS that were maintained over follow-up periods, yet data on whether interventions produced greater reductions than control conditions were mixed. Studies observed significant improvements in numerous physical and mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that existing interventions are feasible, acceptable, and may provide meaningful improvements in IWS and associated health outcomes, highlighting the potential for psychological interventions to promote improved health and wellbeing in individuals with IWS. Additional research using rigorous study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials) is needed to further evaluate the efficacy of interventions for IWS.

Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for Women of Higher Weight and Internalized Weight Bias: A Randomized Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Internalized weight bias (IWB) negatively impacts mental and physical health, and disproportionately affects women of higher weight. Although self-compassion training may be advantageous for reducing IWB and associated sequalae, further examination of its clinical significance and cultural acceptability is warranted.

METHOD

A randomized pilot study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility, including cultural acceptability, and clinical significance of a 3-session self-compassion intervention (SCI) for women with IWB. Women with BMIs of > 25 and IWB (N = 34) were randomly assigned to the SCI or a waitlist control group. Participants completed pre, post, and 1-month follow-up surveys on IWB, self-compassion, body image, eating behaviors, physical activity, and affect. Analyses of covariance were employed and percentages of change were calculated to examine post-intervention between-group differences in outcomes. Cultural acceptability was evaluated through participants' ratings of the perceived inclusivity and relevancy of the SCI.

RESULTS

There were 59% (n = 10) and 47% (n = 8) completion rates in the SCI and waitlist control groups, respectively. Compared to the waitlist control group, SCI participants reported greater pre-post improvements in self-compassion, IWB, body shame and surveillance, uncontrolled eating, and physical activity with medium to large effect sizes, and emotional eating with small effects. The SCI was perceived to be beneficial overall, and cultural acceptability ratings were mostly favorable despite individual differences.

CONCLUSION

This brief SCI may be beneficial for women impacted by weight stigma and IWB. Attention to increased diversity and cultural acceptability is warranted in future trials.

Community-based care needs for adults with class III obesity before and after tertiary weight management: An exploratory study

Objective

Class 3 obesity (severe obesity) is defined by a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2. Tertiary weight-management programs (WMPs) are hospital-based multidisciplinary services that aim to support individuals with severe obesity. Severe shortage of WMPs has led to waitlists and pressure on clinicians to discharge patients. Community obesity management often fails to support patients in maintaining weight loss/health gains. This study aimed to explore the needs of patients for community-based obesity care.

Methods

A qualitative study was undertaken via a tertiary WMP in Sydney, Australia. Semi-structured interviews/focus groups explored perceptions of purposively sampled patients and their clinicians on the community-based support needs of people with severe obesity. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then thematically analyzed.

Results

Eleven patients and seven clinicians were interviewed. Four themes were identified: the importance of accountability and motivation to maintain weight-loss/health gains; limitations within community-based obesity management for those with severe obesity; perspectives on structured community programs for patients transitioning into/out of tertiary WMPs; and impact of mental health, stigma, and social isolation on engagement with community-based services.

Conclusions

Community-based programs are needed to support those awaiting access to tertiary WMPs and to help maintain health gains once discharged. Such programs should address issues of social isolation and integrate with current models of tertiary metabolic and primary health care.