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Lee KM, Wang C, Du H, Hunger J, Tomiyama AJ. Weight stigma as a stressor: A preliminary multi-wave, longitudinal study testing the biobehavioral pathways of the cyclic obesity/weight-based stigma (COBWEBS) model. Appetite 2024; 201:107573. [PMID: 38908408 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Higher weight individuals often face significant weight stigma. According to the Cyclic Obesity/Weight-Based Stigma (COBWEBS) model, weight stigma operates as a stressor that increases the stress hormone cortisol and promotes comfort eating, thus resulting in weight gain. Such weight gain is harmful as it exposes individuals to further stigmatization. Thus far, no study has yet tested the mechanistic pathways of the COBWEBS model and prospective longitudinal studies are severely lacking. To fill this gap, the current study tested the biobehavioral pathways of the COBWEBS model using a 4-wave yearlong longitudinal study comprising 348 higher weight individuals. Using a structural equation modeling framework, we tested three cross lagged panel models for the putative mediator, comfort eating. The models examined either synchronous and/or lagged effects across weight stigma, perceived stress, comfort eating, weight, and future weight stigma. The best fitting model revealed significant associations between baseline weight stigma, perceived stress, and comfort eating within the same month. However, comfort eating did not significantly predict weight four months later. Weight status and baseline weight stigma both predicted future weight stigma as expected. Additionally, a separate path model with hair cortisol found that weight stigma predicted perceived stress four months later, but stress did not predict aggregate cortisol levels from months 10 and 11. Hair cortisol also did not predict later weight. This preliminary work lays the foundation for identifying modifiable targets of weight stigma, thereby offering potential avenues to reduce weight stigma's harm on higher weight individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Lee
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA, 900951563, USA.
| | - Christy Wang
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA, 900951563, USA
| | - Han Du
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA, 900951563, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hunger
- Miami University, 90 North Patterson Avenue, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - A Janet Tomiyama
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA, 900951563, USA
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2
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Barnhart WR, Xiao Y, Li Y, Gaggiano C, Jiang Z, Wu S, Cao H, He J. Beyond Age, BMI, Gender Identity, and Gender Minority Stress, Weight Bias Internalization Is Uniquely Associated With More Eating and Body Image Disturbances and Poor Physical and Mental Health in Chinese Gender-Diverse Adults. Int J Eat Disord 2024. [PMID: 39177303 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Weight bias internalization (WBI) is a robust, positive correlate of negative health outcomes; however, this evidence base primarily reflects cisgender individuals from Western cultural contexts. Gender-diverse individuals from non-Western cultural contexts (e.g., China) are at potentially high risk for WBI. Yet, no research has examined WBI and associated negative health consequences in this historically underrepresented population. METHOD A cross-sectional, online survey sampled Chinese gender-diverse individuals (N = 410, Mage = 22.33 years). Variables were self-reported, including demographics, WBI, body shame, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, physical and mental health status, and gender minority stress (e.g., internalized cisgenderism). Analyses included correlations and multiple hierarchical regressions. RESULTS Pearson bivariate correlations demonstrated associations between higher WBI and more eating and body image disturbances and poor physical and mental health. After adjusting for age, BMI, gender identity, and gender minority stress, higher WBI was uniquely and positively associated with higher body shame, higher body dissatisfaction, higher disordered eating, and poor physical and mental health. Notably, WBI accounted for more unique variance in eating and body image disturbances (13%-25% explained by WBI) than physical and mental health (1%-4% explained by WBI). DISCUSSION While replication with longitudinal and experimental designs is needed to speak to the temporal dynamics and causality, our findings identify WBI as a unique, meaningful correlate of eating and body image disturbances in Chinese gender-diverse adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley R Barnhart
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yueyang Xiao
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yijing Li
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Christina Gaggiano
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| | - Zexuan Jiang
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shijia Wu
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongjian Cao
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinbo He
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Rompolski K, Pascoe MA. Does dissection influence weight bias among doctor of physical therapy students? ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024. [PMID: 39169821 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Anatomy with human dissection may help to develop respect for the human body and professionalism; however, dissection may worsen students' attitudes about body weight and adiposity. The purpose of this study was to measure weight bias among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students enrolled in gross anatomy and determine if, and how the experience of dissection impacts weight bias. Ninety-seven DPT students (70 University of Colorado [CU], 27 Moravian University [MU]) were invited to complete a survey during the first and final weeks of their anatomy course. The survey included demographic items, two measures of weight bias-the Modified Weight Bias Internalized Scale (M-WBIS) and the Attitudes Towards Obese Persons (ATOP) Scale-and open-ended questions for the students who participated in dissection (CU students) that explored attitudes about body weight and adiposity. At baseline, there were no significant differences (p > 0.202) in ATOP, M-WBIS, or BMI between the two universities. The mean scores on both the ATOP and M-WBIS indicated a moderate degree of both internalized and externalized weight bias. There were no significant changes in ATOP (p = 0.566) or M-WBIS scores (p = 0.428). BMI had a low correlation with initial M-WBIS scores (⍴ = 0.294, p = 0.038) and a high correlation with change scores in CU students (⍴ = 0.530, p = 0.011). Future studies should utilize the same measures of weight bias in other healthcare trainees to facilitate comparison and incorporate larger populations of DPT students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael A Pascoe
- Physical Therapy Program, School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Rozzell-Voss KN, Marshall RD, Lin CY, Latner JD. The Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale: measurement invariance by weight status and race among undergraduate women. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41366-024-01602-7. [PMID: 39143295 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internalized weight bias is the belief in negative, weight-based stereotypes and the application of these stereotypes to oneself. These negative stereotypes have harmful impacts on people with overweight/obesity, and weight-based discrimination is well-documented across a variety of settings. Given poor outcomes associated with internalized weight bias, particularly among individuals with obesity, it is necessary to validate measures assessing internalized weight bias among diverse samples. The present study sets out to investigate measurement invariance properties across weight status (women with vs. without overweight/obesity) and race (White vs. Asian; White vs. bi- or multi-racial) of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M), an 11 item self-report measure. METHODS Participants were 746 racially/ethnically diverse women across the weight spectrum (24.9% with overweight/obesity). Confirmatory factor analyses of the WBIS-M were initially performed among the full sample, and all sub-samples. Each model showed good to excellent descriptive model fit. Subsequent analyses examined factor loadings and item thresholds of the WBIS-M to assess metric, threshold, and scalar invariance. Invariance was determined by assessing changes in Comparative Fit Index (ΔCFI ≤ -0.010), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (ΔRMSEA ≤ 0.015), and Standardized Root Mean Square Residuals (ΔSRMR ≤ 0.030). RESULTS Based on these previously established statistical cutoffs, the WBIS-M showed invariance across weight status and racial groups in the present sample. The current results lend support for use of the WBIS-M to measure internalized weight bias in women who do and do not have overweight/obesity, and among White, Asian, and bi- or multi-racial women. CONCLUSION This may inform future studies that wish to utilize the WBIS-M, such as investigations of mean level differences in internalized weight bias. These findings may have clinical applications in the treatment and prevention of obesity, given the heightened levels of internalized weight bias and weight-based discrimination faced by individuals with higher body weights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel D Marshall
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
| | - Janet D Latner
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Meschberger-Annweiler FA, Ascione M, Porras-Garcia B, Mendoza-Medialdea MT, Ferrer-Garcia M, Gutierrez-Maldonado J. The Moderating Effect of Suggestibility on the Relationship between Body Mass Index and Body Dissatisfaction in Women. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4647. [PMID: 39200789 PMCID: PMC11354597 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Body dissatisfaction (BD) has been consistently linked to adverse consequences on mental health and overall well-being, and is recognized as a significant contributing factor in the initiation and persistence of eating disorders (EDs). Empirical evidence has demonstrated that an elevated body mass index (BMI) and media influence and pressure about a thin ideal heighten the risk of subsequent BD. Moreover, suggestibility, a propensity to accept and act upon messages without critical evaluation, has been shown to be positively associated with greater susceptibility to the influence of sociocultural messages that endorse the thin ideal. This study aimed to assess whether suggestibility moderates the association between BMI and BD in women. Methods: A total of 117 women completed assessments using the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) BD subscale and the Suggestibility Inventory, which encompasses a general suggestibility index and a subscale that evaluates susceptibility to influence by others. We conducted moderation analyses employing the PROCESS macro, with BMI as the central predictor, BD as the outcome variable, and suggestibility and its subscale as moderators. Results: The findings revealed statistically significant positive moderating interactions for both the general suggestibility index and susceptibility to influence by others. Specifically, women who exhibited high levels of suggestibility and susceptibility to influence by others demonstrated a more pronounced increase in BD as their BMI increased. Conclusions: These outcomes are in line with the sociocultural model of EDs, suggesting that greater susceptibility to external influences amplifies the impact of societal pressures to conform to thin ideals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck-Alexandre Meschberger-Annweiler
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (F.-A.M.-A.); (M.A.); (M.T.M.-M.); (M.F.-G.)
- Institut de Neurociences (UBneuro), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariarca Ascione
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (F.-A.M.-A.); (M.A.); (M.T.M.-M.); (M.F.-G.)
- Institut de Neurociences (UBneuro), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bruno Porras-Garcia
- Brain, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), 08221 Terrassa, Spain;
- Department of Basic Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Sant Cugat del Valles, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Mendoza-Medialdea
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (F.-A.M.-A.); (M.A.); (M.T.M.-M.); (M.F.-G.)
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Jaén, Paraje las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Marta Ferrer-Garcia
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (F.-A.M.-A.); (M.A.); (M.T.M.-M.); (M.F.-G.)
| | - Jose Gutierrez-Maldonado
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (F.-A.M.-A.); (M.A.); (M.T.M.-M.); (M.F.-G.)
- Institut de Neurociences (UBneuro), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Munns LB, Crossland AE, McPherson M, Panagiotopoulou E, Preston CEJ. Developing a new measure of retrospective body dissatisfaction: links to postnatal bonding and psychological well-being. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39105611 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2386077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is a transformative time for women and their bodies, and therefore thoughts and feelings about the body understandably change during this period. While previous research has established the impact of body dissatisfaction on factors like antenatal attachment and maternal mental health, there is a notable gap in understanding its long-term effects on postnatal factors. This is often due to high attrition rates in longitudinal studies. Using retrospective measures could address this issue, however a measure of retrospective pregnant body dissatisfaction has not yet been identified. AIMS This paper aimed to create a retrospective measure of pregnancy body dissatisfaction by adapting a previously validated measure. It also aimed to investigate the relationship between retrospective accounts of body dissatisfaction during pregnancy and postnatal anxiety, depression, and bonding. METHOD Cross-sectional online survey data was collected from women postnatally (N = 404). FINDINGS An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified a two-factor model of retrospective body dissatisfaction, adapted from the Body Understanding Measure for Pregnancy Scale, which was equivalent to two of the original subscales. Using this factor structure, linear regressions demonstrated that higher levels of retrospective pregnant body dissatisfaction were associated with elevated rates of postnatal anxiety and depression and lower bonding scores. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully established a measure for assessing retrospective pregnant body dissatisfaction, potentially aiding future research. Additionally, it has highlighted the link between pregnant body dissatisfaction and postnatal levels of depression, anxiety, and bonding. Thus, improving the pregnant bodily experience may have the potential to enhance the postnatal experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia B Munns
- Department of Psychology, York University, North York, UK
| | | | - Monique McPherson
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Postgraduate Studies, Education & Training, Anna Freud, UK
| | - Elena Panagiotopoulou
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Postgraduate Studies, Education & Training, Anna Freud, UK
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Yager Z. Something, everything, and anything more than nothing: stories of school-based prevention of body image concerns and eating disorders in young people. Eat Disord 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38910350 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2024.2364523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Much work has been done to promote the development of positive body image in schools. This paper aims to tell some stories from the past 35 years of work in this field that illuminate important issues in developing, evaluating, and disseminating programs, and in removing policies and practices that could trigger weight stigma and body shame or disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. The need for, goals of, and approaches to body image programs, problematic activities we have 'good enough' evidence to avoid, and next steps for advocacy, research, and action are explored as we celebrate how far we've come and have hope for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zali Yager
- The Embrace Collective
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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Ryan L, Quigley F, Birney S, Crotty M, Conlan O, Walsh JC. 'Beyond the Scale': A Qualitative Exploration of the Impact of Weight Stigma Experienced by Patients With Obesity in General Practice. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14098. [PMID: 38859797 PMCID: PMC11165259 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is a complex, chronic, relapsing disease that requires an individualised approach to treatment. However, weight stigma (WS) experienced in healthcare settings poses a significant barrier to achieving person-centred care for obesity. Understanding the experiences of people living with obesity (PwO) can inform interventions to reduce WS and optimise patient outcomes. This study explores how patients with obesity perceive WS in general practice settings; its impact on their psychological well-being and health behaviours, and the patients suggestions for mitigating it. METHODS In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 PwO who had experienced WS in general practice settings in Ireland. The interviews were conducted online via Zoom between May and August 2023; interviews lasted between 31 and 63 min (M = 34.36 min). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three overarching themes specific to participants' experience of WS in general practice were generated: (1) shame, blame and 'failure'; (2) eat less, move more-the go-to treatment; (3) worthiness tied to compliance. A fourth theme: (4) the desire for a considered approach, outlines the participants' suggestions for reducing WS by improving the quality of patient-provider interactions in general practice. CONCLUSION The findings call for a paradigm shift in the management of obesity in general practice: emphasising training for GPs in weight-sensitive communication and promoting respectful, collaborative, and individualised care to reduce WS and improve outcomes for people with obesity. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION PPI collaborators played an active and equal role in shaping the research, contributing to the development of the research questions, refining the interview schedule, identifying key themes in the data, and granting final approval to the submitted and published version of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Ryan
- School of PsychologyUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Fiona Quigley
- School of Communication and MediaUlster UniversityBelfastNorthern Ireland
| | - Susie Birney
- Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ICPO)DublinIreland
| | | | - Owen Conlan
- School of Computer Science and StatisticsTrinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Jane C. Walsh
- School of PsychologyUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
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Kelly NR, Osa ML, Luther G, Guidinger C, Folger A, Williamson G, Esquivel J, Budd EL. Preliminary evaluation of a brief worksite intervention to reduce weight stigma and weight bias internalization. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2024; 104:102434. [PMID: 38615372 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Weight-based discrimination (WBD) is common and associated with reduced physical and emotional functioning. WBD is common in the workplace, yet no studies have evaluated a WBD intervention delivered in a worksite setting. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a 3-hour, remote-delivered WBD intervention at a large public university. Six workshops including 94 participants (41.76 ± 9.37 y; 92.8% women) were delivered December 2020 through May 2021; 88.3% of participants enrolled in the study and 88.8% of enrolled participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. Participants strongly agreed the workshop contributed to a more inclusive work environment (M=4.98 ± 0.2; 1 =Strongly Disagree to 5 =Strongly Agree); and was highly needed (4.9 ± 0.3) and liked (4.8 ± 0.5). Qualitative feedback cited benefits of remote delivery in providing body size anonymity and wanting access to intervention materials and more time for discussion and action steps to reduce WBD. Participants experienced significant, medium reductions in explicit weight bias (ps < .001), significant, small reductions in weight bias internalization (p < .001), and statistically non-significant (p = .08), small-to-medium reductions in implicit bias. Targeting worksites as a delivery mechanism has the potential to reduce WBD, thereby improving the health and well-being of diverse employees and creating a more inclusive workspace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole R Kelly
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, USA; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA.
| | - Maggie L Osa
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, USA; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA
| | - Gabriella Luther
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, USA; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA
| | - Claire Guidinger
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, USA; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA
| | - Austin Folger
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, USA; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA
| | - Gina Williamson
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, USA; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA
| | - Juliana Esquivel
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, USA; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Budd
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, USA; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA
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Gao Z, Zhao J, Peng S, Yuan H. The Relationship and Effects of Self-Esteem and Body Shape on Eating Disorder Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Chinese University Students. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1034. [PMID: 38786444 PMCID: PMC11121389 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders (EDs) have become a global public health concern among adolescents and young adults. However, Chinese university students exhibit a high prevalence of eating disorders. This study aims to investigate the effects of self-esteem (SE) and body shape (BS) on ED behaviors among Chinese university students. METHODS Using random sampling, 946 Chinese university students (aged 18 to 24, M = 19.94, SD = 1.04) participated in a survey comprising the Sick, Control, One, Fat, and Food Questionnaire (SCOFF-Q), the Body Shape Questionnaire (BS-Q), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RS-S) to assess their eating disorder or non-eating disorder (NED) behavior. RESULTS There was a significant positive correlation between body shape and eating disorder behaviors (r = 0.19, p < 0.01), while there was a significant negative correlation between self-esteem and eating disorder behaviors (r = -0.14, p = 0.001 < 0.01). Gender was a moderating factor in the relationship between body shape and eating disorder behaviors (t = 3.14, p = 0.002 < 0.01), while parents' marital status was a moderating factor in the relationship between self-esteem and eating disorder behavior (t = 2.72, p = 0.007 < 0.01). Body shape (z = 6.47, p = 0.001 < 0.01), self-esteem (z = -2.81, p = 0.005 < 0.05), and gender (z = 3.06, p = 0.002 < 0.01) significantly influenced eating disorder behavior among Chinese university students aged 18-24 years. CONCLUSIONS There was a direct effect between body shape and self-esteem and eating disorder behaviors among Chinese university students aged 18-24 years. Alarmingly, female university students are becoming susceptible to external influences on self-esteem and body shape, leading to eating disorder behaviors at an increasingly younger age in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Gao
- School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- Physical Education Department, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing 211167, China
| | - Sanying Peng
- School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang 11800, Malaysia
- Physical Education Department, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Han Yuan
- Department of Physical Education, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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11
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Rancaño KM, Puhl R, Skeer M, Eliasziw M, Must A. Negative familial weight talk and weight bias internalization in a US sample of children and adolescents. Pediatr Obes 2024; 19:e13108. [PMID: 38375755 PMCID: PMC11006571 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Negative familial weight talk may contribute to higher weight bias internalization in pre- and early adolescents (hereafter referred to as children) and may differ by gender, weight status, and race and ethnicity. OBJECTIVE Examine the relationship between negative familial weight talk and weight bias internalization and examine differences by gender, weight status, and race and ethnicity. METHODS We cross-sectionally analysed 5th-7th graders (10-15 years old) living in Massachusetts (n = 375, 52.3% girls, 21.3% BMI ≥85th percentile, 54.8% non-Hispanic White). Negative familial weight talk frequency during the past 3 months was self-reported and discretized as 'never,' 'occasionally' (1-9 times) and 'often' (>9 times); the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale assessed weight bias internalization. Generalized linear models estimated the relationship between negative familial weight talk and weight bias internalization and sub-analyses estimated the relationship across gender, weight status, and race and ethnicity. Results are summarized as ratios of means (RoM). RESULTS Children experiencing negative familial weight talk occasionally (RoM = 1.12, p = 0.024) and often (RoM = 1.48, p < 0.001) had significantly higher weight bias internalization than children who never experienced it. In sub-analyses, experiencing negative familial weight talk often was associated with higher weight bias internalization among girls (RoM = 1.66, p < 0.001), boys (RoM = 1.32, p = 0.007), children with BMI <85th percentile (RoM = 1.44, p = 0.007) and BMI ≥85th percentile (RoM = 1.39, p = 0.001), and non-Hispanic White children (RoM = 1.78, p < 0.001), but not Hispanic (RoM = 1.25, p = 0.085) or non-Hispanic Black children (RoM = 1.20; p = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS Frequent negative familial weight talk was associated with higher weight bias internalization across gender and weight status and in non-Hispanic White children only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Rancaño
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston MA, Boston, MA
| | - Rebecca Puhl
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Margie Skeer
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston MA, Boston, MA
| | - Misha Eliasziw
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston MA, Boston, MA
| | - Aviva Must
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston MA, Boston, MA
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12
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Zancu AS, Diaconu-Gherasim LR. Weight stigma and mental health outcomes in early-adolescents. The mediating role of internalized weight bias and body esteem. Appetite 2024; 196:107276. [PMID: 38367911 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight stigma is increasingly common in early adolescence and may lead to weight bias internalization, with negative consequences for mental health outcomes. This study aimed to: examine the relations of perceived weight stigma and internalized weight bias with early adolescents' internalizing symptoms and disordered eating behavior; explore the mediating role of internalized weight bias on the relations of perceived weight stigma with internalizing symptoms and disordered eating behaviors; examine body esteem as a mediator between internalized weight bias and mental health outcomes. METHODS A sample of 406 early adolescents (59.6% girls) aged between 11 and 13 participated in this cross-sectional study. They completed self-report measures assessing perceived weight stigma, internalized weight bias, body esteem, internalizing symptoms and disordered eating. RESULTS Path analysis indicated that perceived weight stigma was positively related with internalizing symptoms and internalized weight bias. Further, internalized weight bias was negatively related with body esteem and positively related with internalizing symptoms and disordered eating. Internalized weight bias mediated the relations of perceived weight stigma with internalizing symptoms, disordered eating and body esteem. Further, body esteem mediated the relations of internalized weight bias with internalizing symptoms and disordered eating behavior. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight internalized weight bias as a psychological mechanism potentially explaining negative links of weight stigma with internalizing symptoms and disordered eating in early adolescence. The results emphasize the need for early intervention during this developmental stage, in order to prevent psychological and behavioral outcomes of weight stigma and internalized weight bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Simona Zancu
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, Romania.
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13
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Foster T, Eaton M, Probst Y. The relationship between internalised weight bias and biopsychosocial outcomes in children and youth: a systematic review. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:38. [PMID: 38491402 PMCID: PMC10941429 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00959-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesise the evidence on the relationships between internalised weight bias (IWB) and biopsychosocial health outcomes in individuals ≤ 25 years. METHODS A systematic review was conducted by searching five scientific databases up to May 2022 to retrieve studies that investigated associations between IWB and biopsychosocial outcomes. Articles with participants ≤ 25 years, at least one validated measure of IWB, one measure of a biopsychosocial outcome, and were observational were included. Excluded articles involved systematic literature reviews, case study reports, intervention studies, meta-analyses, grey literature, pilot, and feasibility studies. Quality assessment was carried out using the American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, ID number CRD42022323876. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-six articles were identified. Nineteen were eligible for inclusion, (15 cross-sectional and 4 prospective). The Weight Bias Internalization Scale and the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire were the most used tools to assess IWB with large heterogeneity in tool types used to assess biopsychosocial measures. IWB had positive associations with psychopathology, eating disorder symptomology, higher BMI, being female, and experiences of weight stigma. It was negatively associated with quality of life, body image, physical activity, social ability, self-esteem, and socioeconomic status. DISCUSSION IWB associated with adverse biopsychosocial outcomes in children and youth populations. IWB may be more clinically relevant in assessing at-risk children and youth than physical weight due to its psychosocial aspects and ability to expand beyond the scope of BMI. Research would benefit from better assessment tools designed for children and youth that accurately measure IWB. Future research should focus on increased diversity and longitudinal study designs with children and youth-specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiarna Foster
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Eaton
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Yasmine Probst
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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14
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Akgül S, Pehlivantürk Kızılkan M, Yıldırım A, Derman O. Prevalence of suicide attempt, suicide ideation and self-harm at diagnosis in adolescents with eating disorders. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2024; 28:63-67. [PMID: 38592409 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2024.2337796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data concerning the suicide prevalence of eating disorder (ED) subtypes and predictive factors are lacking in youth. This study aimed to examine suicide attempts (SA), suicide ideation (SI) and self-harm (SH) upon diagnosis in adolescents with EDs. METHODS The prevalence of SA, SI and SH in ED subtypes was evaluated by retrospectively assessing the Home, Education/Employment, Eating, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicidal ideation and Safety (HEEADSSS) instrument of adolescents diagnosed with an ED. Clinical predictors of SI in anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN (AAN) were assessed. RESULTS Among all participants (398), 41 (10.3%) reported SA, 126 (31.7%) SI and 60 (15.1%) SH. While SA did not differ statistically between ED subgroups (p = .123), they were two times more prevalent in the bulimia nervosa (BN) group (17.5%) than in the AN group (8.5%). In the BN group, SI was 2.3 times more prevalent than in the AN group (p = .001). The AN and ARFID groups exhibited substantially less SH (p = .036). Having a higher body mass index (BMI) was the only significant predictor of SI. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that adolescents with EDs are at an increased risk for suicidality, highlighting the need for close screening, particularly in those with BN, AN-BP and AN with a higher BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Akgül
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Ayşegül Yıldırım
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Orhan Derman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Levinson JA, Kinkel-Ram S, Myers B, Hunger JM. A systematic review of weight stigma and disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. Body Image 2024; 48:101678. [PMID: 38278088 PMCID: PMC11180546 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Weight stigma is persistent across contexts and is associated with disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. This systematic review aimed to examine the existing literature that has explored the relationship between weight stigma and disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. We specifically examined three dimensions of weight stigma - experienced, anticipated, and internalized - and adopted an inclusive conceptualization of outcomes related to disordered eating (including constructs such as binge eating, body dissatisfaction, and other cognitions and behaviors such as dietary restraint, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and drive for thinness). We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, and PsycINFO for English-language, peer-reviewed articles and dissertations with quantitative methodology published through October 2023. The search resulted in 242 articles meeting inclusion criteria. A narrative review found a consistent relationship between greater weight stigma and more disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. Methodological and theoretical limitations are discussed, as are critical avenues for future research and potential clinical implications stemming from this body of research. Given the widespread nature and impact of weight stigma on disordered eating, it is imperative that we intervene to address weight stigma at all levels, from the structural to the intrapersonal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Levinson
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Shruti Kinkel-Ram
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, 90 N Patterson Avenue, Oxford, OH 45056, United States
| | - Bethany Myers
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Hunger
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, 90 N Patterson Avenue, Oxford, OH 45056, United States.
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16
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Davis HA, Kells M, Patarinski AGG, Wildes JE. Preliminary associations of body weight, weight bias, and dietary restriction with eating disorder diagnosis in women experiencing food insecurity. Eat Disord 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38402578 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2024.2322322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the co-occurrence of food insecurity and eating disorders is a pressing concern. Several factors have been hypothesized to increase risk for eating disorders in women with food insecurity including dietary restriction, body weight, and weight-related bias, but few studies have tested these factors simultaneously to determine which are associated most strongly with eating disorder status. We tested cross-sectional associations of dietary restriction, current body mass index (BMI), weight suppression (i.e. the difference between current weight and highest weight), and weight bias with eating disorder diagnosis in a sample of 99 self-identified women with current food insecurity (54% White; mean [SD] age = 40.26 [14.33] years). Participants completed two virtual study visits consisting of electronic questionnaires and interviews. A binary logistic regression model was conducted to test relations between the hypothesized correlates and eating disorder diagnostic status in the past 12 months, controlling for age, food insecurity severity, and body dissatisfaction. Higher levels of weight suppression and weight bias, but not current BMI, were significantly associated with the presence of an eating disorder. Contrary to our hypothesis, greater dietary restriction was associated with lower likelihood of eating disorder diagnosis. Results suggest high levels of weight bias and weight suppression characterize women with food insecurity who meet criteria for an eating disorder. Women who experience food insecurity and have lost a relatively great deal of weight and/or hold biases about high weight should be screened for eating pathology in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Davis
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Meredith Kells
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Jennifer E Wildes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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17
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Sonneville KR, Thurston IB, Gordon AR, Richmond TK, Weeks HM, Lipson SK. Weight Stigma Associated With Mental Health Concerns Among College Students. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:260-268. [PMID: 37758003 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Weight stigma is widespread and exists across numerous domains including health care, educational institutions, workplaces, mass media, and interpersonal relationships. Weight stigma experienced during the college years may be particularly consequential because the college years are a period of increased vulnerability for the development of mental health concerns. The purpose of the present study was to examine how experiences of weight stigma relate to mental health concerns, including symptoms of eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, among college students. METHODS Prevalence of interpersonal and anticipated weight stigma was examined among 2,707 students participating in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 Healthy Minds Study and tested for differences in prevalence across student characteristics. Logistic regression was used to explore relationships between measures of weight stigma and student mental health. Analyses were conducted in 2021-2023. RESULTS Interpersonal and anticipated weight stigma were reported by 12.3% and 15.3% of students, respectively. Experiences of interpersonal and anticipated weight stigma were generally lowest among cisgender male students, heterosexual students, those with the fewest financial concerns, and those who did not perceive themselves to be "overweight." Both interpersonal and anticipated weight stigma were associated with elevated odds of high weight concerns, past-month binge eating, past-month purging, high eating disorder risk, moderate/severe anxiety symptoms, and moderate/severe depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Findings implicate interpersonal and anticipated weight stigma as potential risk factors for a range of mental health concerns. Weight stigma is an under-recognized and under-funded public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendrin R Sonneville
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Idia B Thurston
- Departments of Health Sciences and Applied Psychology, Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allegra R Gordon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tracy K Richmond
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heidi M Weeks
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sarah K Lipson
- Department of Health Law Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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Gil-Llario MD, Fernández-García O, Huedo-Medina TB, Morell-Mengual V, Ballester-Arnal R. Analysis of the Effectiveness of an Affective-Sexual Education Program for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38252036 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2300627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the number of programs to improve sex education for people with intellectual disabilities has increased. However, in most cases, these programs do not provide any evidence of their impact. In the present study we analyzed the effectiveness of the SALUDIVERSEX affective-sexual education program for people with intellectual disabilities using a controlled trial design. 246 individuals from eastern Spain completed a battery of questionnaires before and after the intervention. Multilevel statistical analyses showed that the risk of experiencing sexual abuse had significantly decreased and knowledge about sexuality significantly increased among those who received the intervention compared to those who did not. The evaluation of the professionals who worked daily with the participants agreed on how knowledge about sexuality and intimacy increased and concerns about sexuality decreased among those in the intervention group. The SALUDIVERSEX program is a powerful educational strategy to promote better sexual health and quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Dolores Gil-Llario
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia
| | - Olga Fernández-García
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia
| | - Tania B Huedo-Medina
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut
| | - Vicente Morell-Mengual
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia
| | - Rafael Ballester-Arnal
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jaume I University
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19
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Zhao Z, Serier KN, Smith BN, Vogt D, Kehle-Forbes S, Mitchell KS. Gender similarities and differences in associations between weight discrimination, shape/weight concerns, and eating disorder symptoms among post-9/11 veterans. Eat Behav 2023; 51:101818. [PMID: 37741082 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Weight discrimination, defined as mistreatment of people based on body weight, is associated with body image concerns and eating disorder (ED) symptoms. Military veterans are particularly vulnerable to developing ED symptoms, which may be due to experiences of weight discrimination resulting from the military's strict weight and fitness requirements. However, no previous study has examined these associations among veterans. We investigated relationships between weight discrimination during and after military service and shape/weight concerns and ED symptoms in post-9/11 veterans. Based on evidence for gender differences in weight discrimination, body image, and ED symptoms, we also examined whether gender moderated these associations. METHOD Participants were randomly selected from the population of post-9/11 U.S. veterans who had been discharged from the military within the previous 18 months. A total of 1494 veterans completed the Everyday Discrimination Scale, Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire, and the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale-5. RESULT Women were more likely to report weight discrimination and had higher levels of ED symptoms and shape/weight concerns than men. Weight discrimination in and after leaving the military were positively associated with shape/weight concerns and ED symptoms in the full sample and among men and women. Gender moderated the association between weight discrimination after leaving the military and shape/weight concerns such that the association was stronger among men. DISCUSSION Both male and female veterans may be vulnerable to developing ED symptoms, in part due to weight discrimination experienced during and after military service. Our findings emphasize the need to address weight discrimination and its consequences in veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhao
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, United States of America; Department of Psychological & Brain Science, Boston University, United States of America
| | - Kelsey N Serier
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Brian N Smith
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Dawne Vogt
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Shannon Kehle-Forbes
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, United States of America; Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, United States of America; Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Karen S Mitchell
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States of America.
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20
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Hill B, Azzari Wynn-Jones A, Botting KJ, Cassinelli EH, Daly MP, Gardiner CV, Hanley SJ, Heslehurst N, Steegers-Theunissen R, Verbiest S, Skouteris H. The Challenge of Weight Stigma for Women in the Preconception Period: Workshop Recommendations for Action from the 5th European Conference on Preconception Health and Care. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7034. [PMID: 37998265 PMCID: PMC10671694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Weight stigma is a well-recognised public health issue affecting many members of society including women during the preconception period. The impacts of preconception weight stigma on women are significant and may result in decreased access to and uptake of healthcare, and mental health concerns. The consequences of this weight stigma may translate to negative maternal outcomes and even intergenerational effects on the child. Eliminating weight stigma is therefore imperative. The aim of this paper is to report recommendations to reduce weight stigma for preconception women produced at a workshop with clinical and academic experts on preconception health and weight stigma at the 5th European Conference on Preconception Health and Care. The recommendations are related to two key areas: general societal recommendations prompting all people to acknowledge and adjust our attitudes towards larger-bodied people; and healthcare-specific recommendations imploring clinicians to upskill themselves to reduce weight stigma in practice. We therefore call for urgent approaches to address societal weight-stigmatising attitudes and norms related to both the general population and preconception women, while providing professional development opportunities for healthcare professionals relating to weight stigma. Eliminating weight stigma for preconception women may have positive impacts on the outcomes for mothers and children during pregnancy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Hill
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | | | - Kimberley J. Botting
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK;
| | - Emma H. Cassinelli
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK;
| | - Michael P. Daly
- Centre for Public Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Whatley Road, Bristol BS8 2PN, UK;
| | - Caitlin Victoria Gardiner
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Bush House, Strand Campus, King’s College London, 40 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BG, UK;
- Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg 2000, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Stephanie J. Hanley
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Nicola Heslehurst
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK;
| | - Regine Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Department of and Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sarah Verbiest
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Pittsboro Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3550, USA;
| | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Scarman Rd, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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21
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Gordon AR, Egan KA, Wang ML, Ziyadeh NJ, Kenney EL, Rosario M, Austin SB. Weight-based discrimination and disordered eating behaviors in a cohort of U.S. sexual minority young adults. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:1983-1990. [PMID: 37345224 PMCID: PMC10592576 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Though prevalent, weight-based discrimination is understudied and has been linked to disordered eating behaviors (DEB) among adolescents and adults. Sexual minority populations experience elevated risk of DEB, but little is known about the role of weight discrimination in this elevated risk. METHODS Participants were 1257 sexual minority women and men (ages 18-31 years) in the US Growing Up Today Study cohort. We examined cross-sectional associations between weight discrimination victimization and three DEB in the past year: unhealthy weight control behaviors, overeating, and binge eating. Generalized estimating equations, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Three in 10 participants (31%) reported weight-based discrimination victimization. Sexual minority young adults who reported weight-based discrimination had greater relative prevalence of unhealthy weight control behaviors (PR [95% CI]: 1.92 [1.35, 2.74]), overeating (3.15 [2.24, 4.44]), and binge eating (3.92 [2.51, 6.13]), compared with those who reported no weight-based discrimination. Associations with overeating and binge eating remained significant after adjusting for BMI. DISCUSSION The role of weight-based discrimination, and its intersections with other forms of stressors for sexual minority young adults, must be included in efforts to advance eating disorder prevention for this underserved population. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Three in 10 sexual minority young adults in this study had experienced weight-based discrimination, a common but understudied form of discrimination. Sexual minority young adults who experienced weight-based discrimination were at greater risk of disordered eating behaviors than those who had not experienced weight-based discrimination. These findings suggest that weight-based discrimination may be an important-and preventable-risk factor for disordered eating behaviors among sexual minority young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allegra R. Gordon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelsey A. Egan
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Monica L. Wang
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Office of Narrative, Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Najat J. Ziyadeh
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erica L. Kenney
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Margaret Rosario
- Department of Psychology, City University of New York—City College and Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - S. Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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de Macêdo PFC, Brito E, de Magalhães Cunha C, da Purificação Nazaré Araújo M, Martins PC, de Santana MLP. Weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of weight gain concern and psychological distress. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:78. [PMID: 37759035 PMCID: PMC10533574 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01608-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the relationship between weight stigma experiences and disordered eating behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic is mediated by weight gain concern and psychological distress among university students with and without overweight. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with university students from five regions of Brazil who participated in the baseline assessment of the Online Cohort on Eating Behavior and Health (July/August 2020). Information on the frequency of binge eating episodes, food restriction, and purging, as well as experienced weight stigma, weight gain concern, and psychological distress, were recorded in an online questionnaire. Stratified structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were performed to address the research questions of interest. RESULTS Out of the total sample (n = 2511), 33.5% of participants reported experiencing weight stigma. The prevalence of binge eating episodes, food restriction, and purging was 43.7%, 24.1%, and 5.4%, respectively. These behaviors were more prevalent in individuals with overweight than in those without this condition. Furthermore, it was observed that weight gain concern and psychological distress mediated the relationship between weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors regardless of body weight status. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors were prevalent among Brazilian university students, especially among those with overweight. Weight gain concern and psychological distress appear to be important factors underlying the relationship between these constructs during the pandemic, and they can contribute to the development of targeted strategies for the prevention and management of disordered eating. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edleide Brito
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Carla de Magalhães Cunha
- School of Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Campus Canela, Rua Basílio da Gama, Salvador, BA, 40110-907, Brazil
| | | | - Poliana Cardoso Martins
- School of Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Campus Canela, Rua Basílio da Gama, Salvador, BA, 40110-907, Brazil
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23
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Keast R, Withnell S, Bodell LP. Longitudinal associations between weight stigma and disordered eating across the weight spectrum. Eat Behav 2023; 50:101788. [PMID: 37572490 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Weight stigma reflects discrimination or stereotyping based on weight, and this construct is associated with body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and eating pathology. Recent research suggests that internalizing weight stigma (i.e., endorsing negative stereotypes about one's weight) mediates associations between experienced weight stigma and disordered eating. However, much of this research has been cross-sectional and limited data exist on associations between weight stigma constructs and eating pathology across the weight spectrum. The current study explored whether internalized weight stigma differentially mediates the relationship between experiencing weight stigma and disordered eating symptoms over time in higher-weight versus non-higher-weight individuals. Undergraduate students (N = 661, 80 % Female, 28.5 % higher weight) completed surveys at three time points over six months. Multigroup path analyses tested whether the effects of experienced weight stigma and internalized weight stigma on binge eating, food restriction, and body dissatisfaction differed between the higher-weight and non-higher-weight groups. All models showed improved fit when path estimates were allowed to vary between groups. Mediation analyses indicated a significant indirect effect of experienced weight stigma on binge eating via internalized weight stigma among the higher-weight group but not the non-higher-weight group. Only internalized weight stigma was directly associated with body dissatisfaction across weight status. A direct effect of experienced weight stigma on restriction was found in the non-higher-weight group. Findings suggest that, in general, weight stigma negatively affects body image and eating behavior, although specific effects may vary depending on one's weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Keast
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha Withnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay P Bodell
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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Macho S, Andrés A, Saldaña C. Weight discrimination, BMI, or weight bias internalization? Testing the best predictor of psychological distress and body dissatisfaction. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:2178-2188. [PMID: 37424155 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed: (1) to compare psychological distress (PD) and body dissatisfaction (BD) in terms of BMI, weight bias internalization (WBI), and weight discrimination (current and past); (2) to assess the best predictor of PD and BD and assess the relationships with weight discrimination, BD, and WBI. METHODS The sample consisted of 1283 participants across all BMI categories, recruited through the internet voluntarily. People with obesity were the most predominant (26.1%). Experiences of weight-based discrimination were reported by participants across all BMI categories, and they were more prevalent in people with obesity. RESULTS People with obesity, those with WBI, and those who faced current and past weight discrimination reported higher PD and higher BD. However, WBI was the best predictor after controlling for BMI, WBI, and current and past weight discrimination. Mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between weight discrimination and BD through WBI was significant, as was the relationship between weight discrimination and WBI through BD. CONCLUSIONS These results stressed the importance of WBI in PD and the role of weight discrimination in WBI and BD. Hence, there is a need to better understand how WBI is formed and to design effective interventions to reduce it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Macho
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i Psicobiologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Andrés
- Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sport Sciences, Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmina Saldaña
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i Psicobiologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències. Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Calugi S, Segattini B, Cattaneo G, Chimini M, Dalle Grave A, Dametti L, Molgora M, Dalle Grave R. Weight Bias Internalization and Eating Disorder Psychopathology in Treatment-Seeking Patients with Obesity. Nutrients 2023; 15:2932. [PMID: 37447258 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between weight bias internalization and eating disorder psychopathology in treatment-seeking patients with severe obesity using a network approach. Two thousand one hundred and thirteen patients with obesity were consecutively admitted to a specialist clinical unit for obesity and were recruited from January 2016 to February 2023. Body mass index was measured, and each patient completed the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBSI) and the Eating Disorder Examination Interview (EDE). Network analysis showed that the most central and highly interconnected nodes in the network were related to the EDE items exposure avoidance, dissatisfaction with shape, and wanting an empty stomach. Bridge nodes were found, but the bootstrap difference test on expected bridge influence indicated non-significant centrality differences. Nevertheless, the eating disorder psychopathology and weight bias internalization network structure in patients seeking treatment for obesity indicate the prominent roles of body dissatisfaction and control of eating and weight in these psychological constructs. This finding, if replicated, could pave the way for a new understanding of the psychological mechanisms operating in patients with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Calugi
- Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 89, 37016 Garda, VR, Italy
| | - Barbara Segattini
- Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 89, 37016 Garda, VR, Italy
| | - Gianmatteo Cattaneo
- Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 89, 37016 Garda, VR, Italy
| | - Mirko Chimini
- Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 89, 37016 Garda, VR, Italy
| | - Anna Dalle Grave
- Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 89, 37016 Garda, VR, Italy
| | - Laura Dametti
- Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 89, 37016 Garda, VR, Italy
| | - Manuela Molgora
- Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 89, 37016 Garda, VR, Italy
| | - Riccardo Dalle Grave
- Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 89, 37016 Garda, VR, Italy
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Nakamura Y, Asano M. Developing and validating a Japanese version of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:44. [PMID: 37195385 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01573-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Weight bias internalization (WBI) is significantly associated with negative physiological and psychological consequences. Given its negative effects, appropriate measurement of WBI is required for weight management and mental and physical health in people with weight problems. One of the most reliable and frequently used questionnaires to assess WBI is the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ). However, a Japanese version of the WSSQ has not yet been developed. Thus, the current study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the WSSQ (WSSQ-J) and validate its psychometric properties in the Japanese context. METHODS A total of 1454 Japanese participants (age 34.44 ± 6.92; male = 498) with diverse weight statuses (Body mass index: 21.44 ± 3.52, 13.79-41.40 kg/m2) completed an online survey for the WSSQ-J. The internal consistency of the WSSQ-J was estimated by calculating Cronbach's α. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then carried out to confirm that the factor structure of the WSSQ-J was the same as that of the subscales of the original WSSQ. RESULTS The WSSQ-J had a Cronbach's α of 0.917, indicating good internal consistency. In CFA, the comparative fit index was 0.945, the root mean square error of approximation was 0.085, and the standardized root mean square residual was 0.040, indicating that the two-factor model showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit. CONCLUSION This study replicated the original findings related to the WSSQ, showing that the WSSQ-J is a reliable WBI questionnaire consisting of two factors. Therefore, the WSSQ-J would be a reliable tool for assessing WBI among Japanese. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Nakamura
- Center for Evolutionary Cognitive Sciences, Graduate School of Art and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1, Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.
- University of Tokyo Institute for Diversity & Adaptation of Human Mind (UTIDAHM), Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.
| | - Michiko Asano
- Center for Evolutionary Cognitive Sciences, Graduate School of Art and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1, Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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Sharpe SL, Adams M, Smith EK, Urban B, Silverstein S. Inaccessibility of care and inequitable conceptions of suffering: a collective response to the construction of "terminal" anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:66. [PMID: 37131268 PMCID: PMC10152768 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00791-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Informed by our lived experiences with eating disorders, our work providing direct support to communities underserved by existing healthcare structures, and our commitment to social justice, we are deeply troubled by several aspects of the proposed characteristics for "terminal" anorexia nervosa outlined by Gaudiani et al. in Journal of Eating Disorders (10:23, 2022). We have identified two substantial areas of concern in the proposed characteristics provided by Gaudiani et al. and the subsequent publication by Yager et al. (10:123, 2022). First, the original article and the subsequent publication fail to adequately address the widespread inaccessibility of eating disorder treatment, the lack of parameters for what constitutes "high quality care", and the prevalence of trauma experienced in treatment settings for those who do access treatment. Second, the characteristics proposed for "terminal" anorexia nervosa are constructed largely based on subjective and inconsistent valuations of suffering which build on and contribute to harmful and inaccurate eating disorder stereotypes. Overall, we believe these proposed characteristics in their current form stand to detract from, rather than assist, the ability of patients and providers to make informed, compassionate, and patient-centered decisions about safety and autonomy both for individuals with enduring eating disorders and for individuals with more recently diagnosed eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam L Sharpe
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA.
| | - Marissa Adams
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA
| | - Emil K Smith
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA
| | - Bek Urban
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA
| | - Scout Silverstein
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA
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Romano KA, Heron KE, Sandoval CM, MacIntyre RI, Howard LM, Scott M, Mason TB. Weight Bias Internalization and Psychosocial, Physical, and Behavioral Health: A Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional and Prospective Associations. Behav Ther 2023; 54:539-556. [PMID: 37088509 PMCID: PMC10126478 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Coinciding with widespread efforts to address obesity, weight bias internalization (a process of self-devaluation wherein individuals apply weight-biased stereotypes to themselves) has gained increased attention as a robust correlate of poor health outcomes. The present meta-analysis aimed to provide the largest quantitative synthesis of associations between weight bias internalization and health-related correlates. Studies that provided zero-order correlations for cross-sectional or prospective associations between weight bias internalization and physical, psychosocial, and behavioral health correlates were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-regression determined whether these associations differed based on demographic (sex/gender, race, age), anthropometric (body mass index), and study-level (publication status, sample type, study quality) moderators. Data for 149 (sub)samples were identified that included between 14 and 18,766 participants (M sample size = 534.96, SD = 1,914.43; M age = 34.73, SD = 12.61, range = 9.95-65.70). Results indicated that greater weight bias internalization was concurrently associated with worse psychosocial (e.g., negative and positive mental health, social functioning), physical (e.g., BMI, weight maintenance, health-related quality of life [HRQoL]), and behavioral health (e.g., disordered eating behaviors, healthy eating, physical activity) across most constructs, with effects ranging from small to very large in magnitude. Preliminary evidence also suggested that greater weight bias internalization was subsequently associated with less weight loss and increased negative mental health. Notable variations in the nature and magnitude of these associations were identified based on the health-related correlate and moderator under consideration. These findings indicate that weight bias internalization is linked to multiple adverse health-related outcomes and provide insight into priorities for future research, theory building, and interventions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin E Heron
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology; Old Dominion University
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Mensinger JL, Shepherd BF, Schapiro S, Aware Y, Brochu PM, Calogero RM, Tylka TL. Mediating effects of a weight-inclusive health promotion program on maladaptive eating in women with high body mass index. Eat Behav 2023; 49:101730. [PMID: 37121132 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Research shows that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 have experienced an 11-fold increase in restrictive eating and a 7-fold increase in binge eating since the 1990s. Most health promotion programs for higher-weight individuals have not been developed with the high eating disorder risk for this population in mind. The purpose of current study was to test two hypothesized mechanisms underlying improvement in maladaptive eating patterns shown in a weight-inclusive health promotion program designed for women with BMIs at or above 30. Participants (N = 40) were primarily White (93 %), 30-45 years old (M = 39.83, SD = 4.34) with BMIs ranging from 30 to 45 kg/m2 (M = 37.42, SD = 3.58). Using the MEMORE macro, we tested a parallel mediation model hypothesizing that internalized weight stigma and intuitive eating would explain improvements on two subscales from the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 after a 6-month program. Total effects of the program on uncontrolled (b = -3.76, SE = 0.64, p < .0001) and emotional eating (b = -1.79, SE = 0.34, p < .0001) were significant. The indirect effects (IE) of internalized weight stigma on uncontrolled eating (IE = 1.59, SE = 0.79, 95 % CI = 0.46, 3.49) and emotional eating (IE = 0.67, SE = 0.40, 95 % CI = 0.11, 1.68) were also significant. Likewise, the IEs of intuitive eating on uncontrolled eating (IE = 2.09, SE = 0.70, 95 % CI = 0.60, 3.38) and emotional eating (IE = 1.03, SE = 0.43, 95 % CI = 0.08, 1.82) were significant. These findings indicate that weight-inclusive health promotion programs that directly address weight bias and eating according to cues from the body may help higher-weight individuals improve maladaptive eating patterns via reductions in internalized weight stigma and increases in intuitive eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janell L Mensinger
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 1073 Maltz, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States of America.
| | - Benjamin F Shepherd
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 1073 Maltz, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States of America.
| | - Stevie Schapiro
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 1073 Maltz, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States of America.
| | - Yashvi Aware
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 1073 Maltz, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States of America.
| | - Paula M Brochu
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 1073 Maltz, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States of America.
| | - Rachel M Calogero
- Department of Psychology, Western University, Westminster Hall, Office 321, London, ON N6K 5C2, Canada.
| | - Tracy L Tylka
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 170F Morrill Hall, 1465 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Marion, OH 43302, United States of America.
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30
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Romano KA, Heron KE. Daily weight stigma experiences, and disordered and intuitive eating behaviors among young adults with body dissatisfaction. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:538-550. [PMID: 36408855 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to extend naturalistic weight stigma research by examining the following aims among young adults with body dissatisfaction and varied body mass indices (BMIs): (1) characterize the frequency of individuals' daily weight stigma experiences, and contextual variations, over a 14-day period; (2) examine whether BMI moderated daily associations between weight stigma experiences relative to eating disorder symptoms and intuitive eating behaviors. METHOD Women (n = 174) and men (n = 24) completed a 14-day daily diary protocol. Concurrent and time-lagged multilevel models examined associations between daily weight stigma, and eating disorder and intuitive eating behaviors among women only due to the small subsample of men. RESULTS Over the 14-day assessment, 43.94% (n = 87) of participants experienced weight stigma. Weight stigma rates varied based on how, where, and by whom weight stigma was expressed, and via BMI. Further, among women, multiple concurrent within-person associations were identified between women's daily weight stigma experiences and daily eating disorder symptoms (skipping meals, binge eating, and body dissatisfaction). Time-lagged associations also showed that women's weight stigma experiences on a given day were associated with a greater likelihood that they would limit the amount of food they consumed the next day. These associations did not differ via women's BMIs. DISCUSSION Collectively, these findings provide important information on how weight stigma experiences unfold in daily life among individuals with body dissatisfaction and varied BMIs, and the proximal and more enduring impact of women's daily weight stigma experiences on their use of multiple adverse eating behaviors that can promote poor health. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE The present findings provide important information on how, where, and by whom weight stigma experiences unfold in daily life among young adults with body dissatisfaction and varied body weights, as well as the proximal and more enduring impact of women's daily weight stigma experiences on their use of a variety of adverse eating behaviors that can promote poor health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Romano
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Kristin E Heron
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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31
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Muscle dysmorphia symptomatology among a national sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults. Body Image 2023; 44:178-186. [PMID: 36642014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptomatology among a large, diverse, and national sample of adolescents and young adults in Canada. Data from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors (N = 2256) were analyzed. MD symptomatology was assessed using the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Men (mean [M] = 33.9, standard deviation [SD] = 8.6) reported significantly greater overall MD symptomatology compared to women (M = 30.1, SD = 7.3) and transgender/gender non-conforming (TGNC; M = 31.5, SD = 7.6) participants. Similarly, the prevalence of clinical MD risk was also highest among men (25.7 %). In regression analyses, participants who identified as South Asian (B 1.97, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.41, 3.52) or Middle Eastern (B 2.92, 95 % CI 0.50,5.35), compared to White participants, or identified as gay or lesbian (B 2.65, 95 % CI 1.19, 4.10), compared to heterosexual participants, had greater MD symptomatology. Findings are the first to describe the MD symptomatology among Canadian adolescents and young adults. Health care and public health professionals should be aware of the overall high occurrence of MD symptomatology in this sample, and future research is needed to continue to describe MD among Canadian young people.
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Salvia MG, Ritholz MD, Craigen KL, Quatromoni PA. Women's perceptions of weight stigma and experiences of weight-neutral treatment for binge eating disorder: A qualitative study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 56:101811. [PMID: 36618893 PMCID: PMC9816903 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The detrimental effects of weight stigma are a growing concern as a contributor to negative physical and mental health outcomes, disparities in care, and healthcare avoidance. Research exploring the impact of weight-neutral healthcare is limited but suggests weight-neutral interventions are associated with positive psychological and behavioral outcomes. Little is known about patients' lived experiences receiving weight-neutral healthcare. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews between Feb 5, 2019 and Feb 25, 2020 with 21 women (90% non-Hispanic white, mean age 49 ± 14.8 years) who had type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and high body weight (mean body mass index 43.8 ± 8.4, range: 30.2-63.9) and previously attended a specialized treatment program for binge eating disorder. We recruited individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who completed of >2 weeks of a specialized binge eating disorder treatment program with the ability to participate in an English-spoken interview and did not have cognitive impairment or severe psychopathology that would limit recall or engagement in the interview. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and Nvivo software. The main outcome we studied was patients' lived experience in healthcare settings and in a weight-neutral eating disorder treatment program. FINDINGS Participants reported experiencing weight stigma in healthcare encounters and believed this decreased the quality of care they received. While participants frequently attempted to lose weight, they experienced embarrassment, internalized a sense of failure, and felt blamed for their weight and health conditions. In describing experiences within a weight-neutral paradigm, participants reported that helpful elements included consistency in the eating pattern (emphasizing adequate, varied, and nourishing intake), sufficient and specific education, and comprehensive support. Reported impacts included decreased binge episodes, experiencing less shame, and increased resiliency following treatment. Some participants experienced the weight-neutral treatment recommendations and the absence of the pursuit of weight loss as challenging. INTERPRETATION Weight-neutral treatment may improve psychological and behavioral outcomes regarding binge eating, and longitudinal, quantitative research is warranted. These findings are useful to decrease weight stigma in provider-patient interactions. FUNDING The Dudley Allen Sargent Research Fund, Boston University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg G. Salvia
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Marilyn D. Ritholz
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | | | - Paula A. Quatromoni
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Walden Behavioral Care, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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McEntee ML, Philip SR, Phelan SM. Dismantling weight stigma in eating disorder treatment: Next steps for the field. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1157594. [PMID: 37113547 PMCID: PMC10126256 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1157594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors posit current guidelines and treatment for eating disorders (EDs) fail to adequately address, and often perpetuate, weight stigma. The social devaluation and denigration of higher-weight individuals cuts across nearly every life domain and is associated with negative physiological and psychosocial outcomes, mirroring the harms attributed to weight itself. Maintaining focus on weight in ED treatment can intensify weight stigma among patients and providers, leading to increased internalization, shame, and poorer health outcomes. Stigma has been recognized as a fundamental cause of health inequities. With no clear evidence that the proposed mechanisms of ED treatment effectively address internalized weight bias and its association with disordered eating behavior, it is not hard to imagine that providers' perpetuation of weight bias, however unintentional, may be a key contributor to the suboptimal response to ED treatment. Several reported examples of weight stigma in ED treatment are discussed to illustrate the pervasiveness and insidiousness of this problem. The authors contend weight management inherently perpetuates weight stigma and outline steps for researchers and providers to promote weight-inclusive care (targeting health behavior change rather than weight itself) as an alternative approach capable of addressing some of the many social injustices in the history of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy L. McEntee
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Mindy L. McEntee,
| | - Samantha R. Philip
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sean M. Phelan
- Division of Health Care Delivery Research, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Richmond TK, Sonneville KR, Milliren CE, Thurston IB. Unraveling the meaning of weight misperception in a sample of college students: Unaware or body satisfied? Body Image 2022; 43:87-94. [PMID: 36095852 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Weight misperception has been seen as a threat to public health. We aimed to understand the meaning of weight misperception by examining associations of weight perception with body satisfaction and body awareness along with healthy ideals and culturally normative body ideals. Undergraduates with higher weights at a Mid-South University (n = 166) completed survey measures that included: weight status perception ("How do you think of yourself in terms of weight?"), self-reported weight and height (used to indicate awareness), current and ideal body size using Figure Rating Scales (FRS), three measures of body satisfaction (difference between current and ideal figures on FRS, Appearance Evaluation subscale of the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire, Body Dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory-3). Height and weight were also measured. Thirty percent (n = 49) of participants perceived themselves as 'healthy' weight and 70 % (n = 117) perceived themselves as above healthy weight. In bivariate analyses, there were no significant differences in identification of healthy or culturally normative body ideals by weight perception group. A series of logistic regression models were run to examine associations between weight perception and both BMI awareness and body satisfaction. In unadjusted and adjusted models, increased body satisfaction was associated with reduced odds of perceiving oneself above healthy weight (OR: 0.25, p < 0.001); BMI awareness was not associated with weight misperception. Findings suggest that weight misperception reflects body satisfaction, and not a lack of awareness of body weight/size, definitions of healthy bodies, or culturally normative body ideals. "Correcting" individuals who perceive their bodies as about right has the potential to cause great harm and should be eliminated as a public health goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy K Richmond
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kendrin R Sonneville
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carly E Milliren
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Idia B Thurston
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health, College Station, TX, USA
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35
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He J, Tang C, Song J, Cui T, Barnhart WR, Cui S, Ren Y, Nagata JM. The Muscularity Bias Internalization Scale: Development and initial validation in Chinese adult men. Body Image 2022; 43:326-336. [PMID: 36244184 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The present study developed the Muscularity Bias Internalization Scale (MBIS), a measure of muscularity bias internalization, which assesses the extent to which an individual endorses muscularity-based stereotypes and engages in negative self-evaluations due to muscularity. In Study 1, a pool of candidate items was developed. By using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on a sample of 300 Chinese adult men (Mage = 29.98 years, SD = 7.81), 14 items from the item pool were retained. The 14-item MBIS contained three factors. In Study 2, a second sample of 300 Chinese adult men (Mage = 29.50 years, SD = 7.50) was used to confirm the factor structure of the MBIS, as well as to examine its reliability and validity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) further confirmed the three-factor structure of the MBIS with a good model fit. The MBIS showed high internal consistency reliability and high two-week test-retest reliability. The MBIS also showed good construct validity with measures of drive for muscularity, muscularity-oriented disordered eating, and muscle dysmorphia symptoms. The newly developed MBIS may help understand the role of muscularity bias internalization in the development and maintenance of muscularity-oriented body image and muscularity-oriented disordered eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo He
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Chanyuan Tang
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianwen Song
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China; Department of Educational Psychology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Tianxiang Cui
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China; Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Wesley R Barnhart
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Shuqi Cui
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaoxiang Ren
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jason M Nagata
- Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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36
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Talumaa B, Brown A, Batterham RL, Kalea AZ. Effective strategies in ending weight stigma in healthcare. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13494. [PMID: 35934011 PMCID: PMC9540781 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Weight stigma impacts negatively healthcare quality and hinders public health goals. The aim of this review was to identify strategies for minimizing weight bias among healthcare professionals and explore future research directions. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus (until June 2020). Studies on weight stigma reduction in healthcare students, trainees and professionals were assessed based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to analyze emerging themes. We identified five stigma reduction strategies in healthcare: (i) increased education, (ii) causal information and controllability, (iii) empathy evoking, (iv) weight-inclusive approach, and (v) mixed methodology. Weight stigma needs to be addressed early on and continuously throughout healthcare education and practice, by teaching the genetic and socioenvironmental determinants of weight, and explicitly discussing the sources, impact and implications of stigma. There is a need to move away from a solely weight-centric approach to healthcare to a health-focused weight-inclusive one. Assessing the effects of weight stigma in epidemiological research is equally important. The ethical argument and evidence base for the need to reduce weight stigma in healthcare and beyond is strong. Although evidence on long-term stigma reduction is emerging, precautionary action is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Talumaa
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adrian Brown
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Obesity Research, University College London, London, UK.,Bariatric Centre for Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery, University College London Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.,UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research, London, UK
| | - Rachel L Batterham
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Obesity Research, University College London, London, UK.,Bariatric Centre for Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery, University College London Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.,UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research, London, UK
| | - Anastasia Z Kalea
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
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37
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Martin-Wagar CA, Weigold IK. Internalized Stigma as a Transdiagnostic Factor for Women with Eating Disorders. Eat Disord 2022; 31:173-190. [PMID: 35770871 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2022.2095481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine how internalized weight bias (IWB), body surveillance, and body shame relate to eating pathology in women with diagnosed eating disorders (EDs) across the weight spectrum. Previous research has examined these variables in primarily non-clinical populations, binge eating disorder, and higher weight populations. In a sample of 98 women with diagnosed EDs, the association of IWB, body surveillance, and body shame on the severity of ED symptoms was examined with hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Results indicate that IWB, body surveillance, and body shame significantly predicted global eating pathology, F (4, 93) = 40.74, p < .001. IWB, body surveillance, and body shame related to global eating pathology, even after controlling for previous weight bias experiences. Analyses with specific symptom clusters found that only body surveillance predicted dietary restraint, only IWB and body shame predicted overvaluation of shape/weight, and only IWB predicted body dissatisfaction. The findings in this study provide initial support for internalized stigma variables (IWB, body surveillance, and body shame) related to ED pathology in a transdiagnostic clinical eating disorder sample across the weight spectrum. Results suggest that further examination of internalized stigma is needed within ED treatment.
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38
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Body image and eating behaviors: A latent profile analysis. Body Image 2022; 41:396-405. [PMID: 35533520 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Body image is multidimensional and less is known about how the combination of positive and negative body image relates to eating behaviors. We used a person-centered approach to identify profiles of body image and explore the relationship between profile membership, sex, age, race, and current marital status, and eating behaviors in a community sample of adults. We recruited 288 adults 18 and older living in the United States using Prolific Academic. Participants completed an online survey assessing body appreciation, functionality appreciation, body dissatisfaction, weight bias internalization, and adaptive and maladaptive eating behaviors. We used latent profile analysis to identify four distinct body image profiles: appreciation & mild dissatisfaction, functional appreciation & moderate dissatisfaction, strong dissatisfaction, and strong appreciation. Profile membership differed by sex with more women and younger adults in profiles higher in negative body image. The relationships between profiles and eating behaviors differed; the three profiles including negative body image had the lowest adaptive and highest maladaptive eating behaviors. The identification of clinically relevant profiles: (1) confirm positive and negative body image coexist, (2) identify high- and low-risk profiles of body image and eating behavior, and (3) offer preliminary suggestions for screening and tailoring preventive interventions.
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39
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Saunders JF, Nutter S, Russell-Mayhew S. Examining the Conceptual and Measurement Overlap of Body Dissatisfaction and Internalized Weight Stigma in Predominantly Female Samples: A Meta-Analysis and Measurement Refinement Study. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:877554. [PMID: 35528312 PMCID: PMC9070483 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.877554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Both body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma have been identified as risk factors for many negative health outcomes for women, including depression and eating disorders. In addition to these contributions, these concepts have been found to overlap to various degrees in existing literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on articles published prior to February 2022 to demonstrate the conceptual and measurement overlap between body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma as currently quantified. We identified 48 studies examining the interrelation between body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma in predominantly female samples. Stronger correlations between these two constructs, some bordering on multicollinearity, were prevalent in community samples compared to clinical samples and with some but not all the commonly used measures in the body image and weight stigma fields. Body mass index (BMI) moderated these relations such that individuals with higher self-reported BMI were more likely to report lower correlations between the constructs. This concept proliferation, stronger for individuals with lower BMIs and community samples, necessitates the need change how we conceptualize and measure body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma. To this end, we conducted study two to refine existing measures and lessen the degree of measurement overlap between internalized weight stigma and body dissatisfaction, particularly in community samples of women. We aimed to clarify the boundaries between these two concepts, ensuring measurement error is better accounted for. Female university students completed existing measures of body satisfaction and internalized weight stigma, which were analyzed using an exploratory followed by a confirmatory factor analysis. In our attempts to modify two existing measures of internalized weight stigma and body dissatisfaction, the majority of the internalized weight stigma items were retained. In contrast, most of the body dissatisfaction items either cross-loaded onto both factors or loaded on to the internalized weight stigma factor despite being intended for the body dissatisfaction factor, suggesting that the measurement issues identified in recent prior research may be due not only to the way we conceptualize and quantify weight stigma, but also the ways in which we quantify body dissatisfaction, across the existing corpus of body dissatisfaction scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F. Saunders
- Hiatt School of Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jessica F. Saunders
| | - Sarah Nutter
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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40
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de Macêdo PFC, Nepomuceno CMM, Dos Santos NS, Queiroz VADO, Pereira EM, Leal LDC, Santos LADS, Nascimento LF, Martins PC, de Santana MLP. Weight stigma in the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:44. [PMID: 35351201 PMCID: PMC8961493 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight stigma is a phenomenon associated with adverse behavioural and psychological consequences. Although experts suggest that its increase during the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with worse health outcomes for people with obesity, a thorough analysis of the main findings and gaps is still needed when relating to this subject. OBJECTIVE We aim to answer three questions: (1) How does weight stigma manifest in the COVID-19 pandemic? (2) How can weight stigma affect people with overweight or obesity in times of COVID-19? (3) What are the perceptions and experiences of weight stigma during the pandemic in individuals who experience overweight or obesity? METHODS We conducted a scoping review of studies addressing weight stigma and the COVID-19 pandemic in electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, BVS/Lilacs, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey) published until 10th August 2021. All relevant studies were reviewed in full by two researchers. In addition, a narrative synthesis of the data was performed. RESULTS The results included 35 studies out of 8,090 records and identified 13 original research publications, 14 text and opinion papers, and 6 narrative reviews. The results revealed the presence of weight stigma in the media, healthcare settings, interpersonal relationships, and public campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence of increasing weight stigma in the COVID-19 outbreak is limited, though. Many weight discrimination consequences were described during this time, such as impairment in accessing healthcare, worst COVID-19 outcomes, and maladaptive eating. However, only maladaptive behaviours and decline in mental health outcomes were demonstrated empirically in all age groups. This effect occurred regardless of body mass index, but people with high body weight were more likely to experience weight stigma. For some people with obesity, weight stigma in the pandemic has made activities of daily routine difficult. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that weight stigma in the COVID-19 pandemic occurs in several settings; moreover, although weight discrimination impacts mental health, whether before or during the pandemic, this influence between the pandemic and pre-pandemic scenario is still unclear. Therefore, more research is required in this field while the pandemic lasts, especially with people with obesity. Overall, people with overweight or obesity are more vulnerable to weight stigma than individuals without overweight. In addition, weight stigma refers to discrimination or prejudice based on a person's weight and relates to several consequences, for instance, poor healthcare treatment and mental health problems. In the COVID-19 outbreak, these weight stigma effects tend to become even more critical because they may be associated with unfavourable COVID-19 outcomes and eating disorder risks. Thus, it is crucial to investigate how weight stigma occurs during the pandemic and its impact on health, mainly for the most affected people. We investigated 35 studies published between 2019 and 2021 to map and explore how weight stigma was manifested and the related consequences for people with overweight or obesity in the COVID-19 pandemic. Only about a third of them were quantitative or qualitative, limiting the evidence of weight stigma in the COVID-19 context. The available evidence suggests that weight stigma manifests in several settings such as media, healthcare, public campaigns, and is more common in people with excess weight. However, weight discrimination experiences before or during the pandemic were associated with adverse psychological and behavioural consequences across all age groups, regardless of body weight. For some people with obesity, for instance, weight stigma made it difficult to accomplish their activities of daily routine. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether weight stigma has increased in the pandemic, thus, more studies are required, especially about people with overweight or obesity.
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41
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Romano KA, Heron KE, Sandoval CM, Howard LM, MacIntyre RI, Mason TB. A meta-analysis of associations between weight bias internalization and conceptually-related correlates: A step towards improving construct validity. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 92:102127. [PMID: 35074712 PMCID: PMC8858873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Weight bias internalization (WBI), a process of weight-based self-devaluation, has been associated with adverse mental and physical health. However, there are limitations with the existing conceptualization and operationalization of WBI that raise questions about the implications of this evidence-base. To address these limitations, the present study investigated the construct validity of WBI by conducting a meta-analysis of associations between WBI (as currently operationalized) and conceptually-related correlates. Studies identified through October 2021 that provided zero-order correlations for associations between WBI and conceptually-related constructs were examined. Meta-regression determined whether these associations differed across WBI measures and demographic (age, sex/gender, race, BMI) and study-level (publication status, sample type, study quality) moderators. Data for 128 (sub)samples were identified (Msample size = 477.83, SD = 1679.90; Mage = 34.46, SD = 12.17; range = 10.21-56.60). Greater WBI exhibited large to very large associations with factors suggested to have considerable overlap with this construct (negative and positive body image, self-devaluation), general and weight-specific experiential avoidance, and individuals' anticipation of future weight stigma. Associations varied for other constructs that have been differentially included in conceptualizations of WBI (endorsing weight bias, weight stigma stereotype awareness, weight stigma experiences), and via measurement-related, demographic, and study-level factors. These findings provide important information that can advance WBI conceptualization and measure-refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Romano
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Kristin E. Heron
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, VA, USA,Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | | | - Lindsay M. Howard
- Department of Psychology, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | | | - Tyler B. Mason
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Internalised weight stigma as a mediator of the relationship between experienced/perceived weight stigma and biopsychosocial outcomes: a systematic review. Int J Obes (Lond) 2022; 46:1-9. [PMID: 34628466 PMCID: PMC8501332 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review studies that have assessed the mediating role of internalised weight stigma on the relationship between experienced/perceived weight stigma and any biopsychosocial outcomes. METHODS PsycINFO, PsycExtra, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline and Embase were systematically searched. Identified studies were double screened (HB and XPG). RESULTS Seventeen studies (across 16 articles) met our inclusion criteria (N = 21,172), and almost all studies measured only psychological outcomes (n = 15). Eight studies found consistent evidence for internalised weight stigma as a mediator of the relationship between experienced/perceived weight stigma and disordered eating outcomes. Preliminary evidence was found for the mediating role of internalised weight stigma on the relationship between experienced/perceived weight stigma and body shame, body dissatisfaction, exercise behaviour, healthcare experiences and behaviours, bodily pain and parental weight talk. However, the findings were inconsistent for depression and anxiety, although only two studies reported these. CONCLUSION This review provides preliminary evidence for internalised weight stigma as an intervening variable in the relationship between experienced/perceived weight stigma and adverse health outcomes. Results suggest that there are potential benefits of interventions addressing internalised weight stigma to improve health outcomes. However, these findings must be considered in the context of the psychometric limitations of the Weight Bias Internalisation Scale, which was used in all but one study.
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