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Hollmann E, Farrell E, Le Roux C, Nadglowski J, McGillicuddy D. "Treated as second class citizens" - the lived experience of obesity-related stigma: an IMI2 SOPHIA study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2344232. [PMID: 38662641 PMCID: PMC11047216 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2344232] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Obesity-related stigma impacts on and shapes the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of individuals living with obesity. Often absent from the literature in the field is the voice(s) of those living with obesity capturing the nuances of the lived experiences of obesity-related stigma. METHODS This study adopted a qualitative approach encompassing individual (n = 15) and photovoice method (n = 12), with a purposeful sample of patients accessing treatment for obesity within the healthcare setting during 2021. Analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis. RESULTS Key themes developed from the analysis related to experiencing obesity-related stigma as exposure to external judgement, societal exclusion and felt environmental stigmatization. Exposure to external judgement was described as judgemental comments resulting in hypervigilance to societal judgement. Participants reported how being overlooked and ignored by others had various negative effects and compounded obesity-related stigma through societal exclusion. Public spaces lacking suitable equipment further made obesity-related stigma visible through felt environmental stigmatization when pursuing hobbies and in everyday life. CONCLUSIONS Obesity-related stigma had a profoundly negative impact on participants in this study, particularly in shaping social interaction, limiting life experiences and impacting psychosocial wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hollmann
- School of Education, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emma Farrell
- School of Education, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carel Le Roux
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joe Nadglowski
- Governance and Financials, President/CEO Obesity Action Coalition, Tampa, FL, USA
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Allnutt AE, Smith DJ, Torrence WA, Alexander DS. Examining weight bias attitudes and obesity beliefs among undergraduate students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:1814-1819. [PMID: 35834745 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2093114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This cross-sectional study examined the weight bias attitudes and obesity beliefs of health science (HS), nursing, and pre-medicine undergraduate students. Methods: Using snowballing and convenience sampling strategies, students (N = 139) completed an online survey, including a 24-item Antifat Attitudes Scale (AFAS) and eight-item Belief About Obese Persons (BAOP) scale. Results: HS students have higher weight bias than nursing and pre-medicine students combined (M = 43.45, SD = 10.75), t(137) = -2.45, p = .016). A negative correlation exists between AFAS and BAOP suggesting high weight bias influences a belief that obesity is controllable. Gender positively predicted weight bias attitudes (ß = -11.43, t = -4.33, p < .001) and obesity beliefs (ß = 3.75, t = 3.01, p = . 003). Conclusions: Findings confirm that HS students have weight bias attitudes. This supports undergraduate curricular changes on obesity etiology that may improve treatment plans of individuals who are obese.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel J Smith
- Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois, USA
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Lee KM, Ghanei B, Tomiyama AJ. A brief induction of loving kindness meditation to reduce anti-fat bias. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302039. [PMID: 38900806 PMCID: PMC11189228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Weight stigma is highly prevalent. However, existing weight stigma interventions are only modestly effective at reducing anti-fat attitudes. The current research proposes a novel approach using a loving kindness meditation (LKM). Experiment 1 tests whether random assignment to the LKM intervention reduces explicit and implicit anti-fat bias and increases empathy based on the LKM recipient with higher weight (close other vs. stranger). Experiment 2 tests whether LKM outperforms an empathy intervention or control to increase empathy or reduce stigmatizing behavior. Results revealed that the LKM increased empathic care but did not reduce anti-fat bias compared to control; the LKM intervention, but not the empathy intervention, reported greater empathy compared to control in unadjusted analyses; and participants in the LKM and empathy interventions (vs. control) were more likely to engage in stigmatizing behavior. These findings suggest that the LKM may not be effective at reducing weight stigma despite increasing empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Bita Ghanei
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - A. Janet Tomiyama
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Stapelfeldt PM, Müller SAM, Kerkemeyer L. Assessing the accessibility and quality of mobile health applications for the treatment of obesity in the German healthcare market. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2024; 4:1393714. [PMID: 38919827 PMCID: PMC11196842 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2024.1393714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Overweight and obesity are among the most prevalent health problems worldwide leading to various diseases and having a significant impact on the healthcare system. In Germany, the prevalence of obesity among adults is 19%. Mobile health applications offer a new approach to treatment and prevention and have been proven effective in previous studies. However, it is essential to investigate the availability and quality of these digital applications. The aim of this systematic assessment is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of digital health applications in German language designed to treat obesity. Methods In January 2024, a systematic search for mobile health applications was conducted on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Just those apps available in German for both iOS and Android were considered acceptable. The German Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS-G) was used to assess the quality of the apps. The content of mobile health applications was evaluated using the guideline from the German Obesity Society for the treatment of obesity. The characteristics of the apps were summarized and presented, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables. Results After screening, ten apps were included in the review. The apps varied in terms of calorie tracking, individual workout plans, educational aspects, nutritional plans, and exercises for behavioral change. On average, 6.4 out of 12 items of the German Obesity guideline recommendations were fulfilled. The MARS score (possible range from 1-5) reached a mean of 3.39 (SD = 0.39). The section "Engagement" had the lowest quality score with a mean of 3.14 (SD = 0.57), while the section "Aesthetics" achieved the highest mean of 3.57 (SD = 0.52). Discussion Most German mobile health applications for managing obesity meet some guideline recommendations. They demonstrate adequate to good quality according to the MARS score. Assessing the quality of mobile health applications can be challenging for patients, despite being easily accessible and low-threshold. However, such digital health applications, reimbursed by the German SHI, offer evidence-based information, even if access can be associated with higher hurdles.
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Martiny SE, Josten J, Renger D. Too different to be equal: Lack of public respect is associated with reduced self-respect for stigmatized individuals. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:304-310. [PMID: 37877471 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with physical and mental disabilities can be stigmatized and perceived in terms of their disabilities in the public domain. This is less pervasive in the private domain, because of the presence of individuating information. We argue that disabilities decrease individuals' everyday opportunities to receive basic equality-based respect experiences in the public domain and thus makes it difficult for them to develop a high and secure level of self-respect (i.e., seeing the self as someone who possesses the same rights as others). These hypotheses were tested in a cross-sectional study in Norway with 173 participants (51 males, 117 females, two trans men, and three non-binary persons; Mage = 28.00; SD = 10.33, age range: 19-77 years), of which 60 participants reported having mental or physical disabilities. In line with our hypotheses, we found higher levels of self-respect for individuals without mental or physical disabilities compared to individuals with mental or physical disabilities. In addition, results showed that respect experiences differed depending on the domain. Whereas individuals with and without disabilities did not significantly differ in the respect experiences they reported in the private domain, they did significantly differ in the respect experiences they reported in the public domain. In addition, respect experiences in the public domain mediated the relationship between disability and self-respect. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of the importance of developing high and secure levels of self-respect and in terms of how respect experiences in the public domain can be ensured for everyone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Martiny
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Morgan S, Mihlar S, Wood E, McKinlay E, Gibbs H, Parker G, Gray L. Sizing Up General Practice Environments for Big-Bodied Patients: An Environmental Assessment of Three Facilities in Aotearoa New Zealand. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2024:19375867241238442. [PMID: 38512992 DOI: 10.1177/19375867241238442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This research describes the physical environments of and equipment in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) general practices in relation to available standards for big-bodied people (BBP) seeking healthcare. BACKGROUND The prevalence of BBP both in NZ and globally has increased over the last 30 years and is expected to increase further. As the first and most utilized point of contact for patients in NZ and many countries, it is essential that general practices provide suitable environments to cater for and meet the needs of big-bodied patients seeking healthcare. METHODS An exploratory study utilizing an environmental investigation was undertaken in three diverse general practices. Data collection consisted of direct observation and physical measurements of practice layout and equipment. Findings were compared to the existing guidelines or standards for the healthcare of BBP. RESULTS The analysis identified most environmental facets and equipment in all three general practices did not meet published guidelines for the care of BBP. CONCLUSIONS In the global context of increasing and sustained prevalence of BBP, this exploratory study highlights it is crucial that general practices and similar community-based facilities review their physical environments and equipment and consider modifications to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and comfort for BBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Morgan
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sheharazade Mihlar
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Emily Wood
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Helen Gibbs
- Diet Consulting, Gardens Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Lesley Gray
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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Vegt N, Visch V, Spooren W, van Rossum EFC, Evers AWM, van Boeijen A. Erasing stigmas through storytelling: why interactive storytelling environments could reduce health-related stigmas. DESIGN FOR HEALTH (ABINGDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 8:46-77. [PMID: 38746072 PMCID: PMC11093225 DOI: 10.1080/24735132.2024.2306771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
In this article we describe how designers can apply storytelling to reduce health-related stigmas. Stigma is a pervasive problem for people with illnesses, such as obesity, and it can persistently hinder coping, treatment, recovery, and prevention. Reducing health-related stigma is complex because it is multi-layered and self-perpetuating, leading to intertwined vicious circles. Interactive storytelling environments can break these vicious circles by delimiting the narrative freedom of stigma actors. We theoretically explain the potential of interactive storytelling environments to reduce stigma through the following seven functions: 1) expose participants to other perspectives, 2) provide a protective frame, 3) intervene in daily conversations, 4) persuade all stigma actors, 5) exchange alternative understandings, 6) elicit understanding and support for stigma victims, and 7) support stigma victims to cope with stigmatization. We elaborate on these functions through a demonstration of an interactive storytelling environment against weight stigma. In conclusion, this article is a call on designers for health and wellbeing, scientists, and practitioners from various disciplines to be sensitive to the pervasiveness of stigma and to collaboratively create destigmatizing storytelling environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Vegt
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Valentijn Visch
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert Spooren
- Faculty of Arts, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth F. C. van Rossum
- Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea W. M. Evers
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Science Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Faculty of ESHPM, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annemiek van Boeijen
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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Aker S, Şahin MK. Obesity Bias and Stigma, Attitudes, and Beliefs Among Intern Doctors: a Cross-sectional Study from Türkiye. Obes Surg 2024; 34:86-97. [PMID: 37968559 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-023-06919-2] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine intern physicians' attitudes and beliefs toward obesity and individuals with obesity and the frequency at which they encounter discriminatory language in their work environments. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed with intern physicians at the Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical Faculty in Samsun, Türkiye. A questionnaire was employed for data collection (Appendix). Two hundred eighteen (82.2%) interns took part in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 53 questions in five sections, and included the attitudes toward obese persons (ATOP) and beliefs about obese persons (BAOP) scales. RESULTS The interns most frequently cited genetic factors (98.1%) and endocrine disorder-metabolic disorders (98.1%) as non-behavioral causes of obesity, and overeating (96.2%) and physical immobility (96.2%) as behavioral causes. Lifestyle changes and exercise were most frequently recommended for treatment. The interns' attitudes toward individuals with obesity were very slightly negative, but close to neutral. Analysis showed that 46.8% of the interns reported hearing members of academic staff, intern physicians, or health workers make negative or derogatory comments or jokes about obese patients during their education, while 22.0% reported witnessing an obese patient being subjected to discriminatory treatment in the hospital environment. CONCLUSION Medical faculties must develop curricula aimed at comprehensively addressing obesity-related bias. Such a curriculum should allow students to reflect on their biases, be aimed at reducing the effect of those biases on patient communication, and involve strategies directed toward eliminating those effects from physicians' treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Servet Aker
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Kürşat Şahin
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
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Spreckley M, de Lange J, Seidell J, Halberstadt J. Primary care-led weight-management intervention: qualitative insights into patient experiences at one-year follow up. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2256669. [PMID: 37703440 PMCID: PMC10501160 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2256669] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global prevalence of overweight and obesity is continuously increasing. Long-term weight loss results remain disappointing. This study aims to identify factors and strategies for successful long-term weight loss in a primary care-led weight-loss intervention from the perspective of participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS This qualitative interview study is the first follow-up study in a 2-year study series of participants with overweight or obesity. Methods utilized are semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with quantitative self-description. The data were transcribed from audio-taped interviews and analysed thematically. RESULTS This study found that clear, continuously evolving self-monitoring strategies facilitated by strong routines and a long-term focus enhanced successful outcomes. Challenges faced included stress, disappointment and loss of routine along with external criticism and discouragement. Benefits experienced due to weight loss included improved health, self-esteem, communal support and encouragement, which continued to fuel motivation. Receiving continuous support and encouragement from healthcare practitioners was instrumental for long-term success. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the complex, multifaceted experiences patients encounter in the pursuit of trying to achieve long-term weight loss. Personalized treatment protocols taking into account the diverse requirements and circumstances of individuals have the potential to improve treatment outcomes. Continuous, professional support may enhance long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Spreckley
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith de Lange
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap Seidell
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jutka Halberstadt
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Sánchez E, Ciudin A, Sánchez A, Gutiérrez-Medina S, Valdés N, Flores L, Marí-Sanchis A, Goñi F, Sánchez M, Nicolau J, Muñoz C, Díaz-Trastoy O, Cuatrecasas G, Cañizares S, Comas M, López-Cano C, Lecube A. Assessment of obesity stigma and discrimination among Spanish subjects with a wide weight range: the OBESTIGMA study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1209245. [PMID: 37799531 PMCID: PMC10548879 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1209245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to assess the extent of rejection and instances of stigmatization linked to obesity within the Spanish population, encompassing a diverse spectrum of weights ranging from normal weight to morbid obesity. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the primary factors influencing these experiences and further examines the impact of bariatric surgery on such dynamics. Materials and methods Multicenter observational study with involving a total of 1,018 participants who were recruited from various Obesity Units. Negatives attitudes towards people with obesity were assessed through three questionnaires: (i) Antifat Attitudes Scale (AFA), (ii) Stigmatizing Situations Inventory (SSI) and (iii) Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS). Subjects were categorized into four groups based on their BMI and history of prior bariatric surgery. Results The cumulative score across all questionnaires (AFA, SSI and WBIS) exhibited a progressive increase, from participants with normal weight to those with obesity (p < 0.001 for all). Within the AFA questionnaire, males showed more rejection towards people with obesity than women, also perceiving obesity as a disease linked to a lack of willpower (p = 0.004 and p = 0.030, respectively). The overall SSI score was negatively associated with age (r = -0.080, p = 0.011), with young participants encountering more stigmatizing experiences than their adult counterparts. Neither employment status nor educational demonstrated a significant association with any of the questionnaires. Interestingly, patients who underwent lost weight following bariatric surgery did not exhibit improved outcomes. Conclusion Individuals with obesity demonstrate a heightened level of aversion towards the disease compared to those with normal weight. Concurrently, the incidence of stigmatizing encounters displays a concerning escalation among younger individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enric Sánchez
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (ODIM) Research Group, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Andreea Ciudin
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebrón, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ferrol, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Gutiérrez-Medina
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Valdés
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
| | - Lilliam Flores
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amelia Marí-Sanchis
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Goñi
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marta Sánchez
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Doctor Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Joana Nicolau
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Son Llàtzer, Palma, Spain
| | - Concepción Muñoz
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Olaia Díaz-Trastoy
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Guillem Cuatrecasas
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Clínica Sagrada Familia-CPEN Barcelona, Health Science Department, UOC University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Cañizares
- Obesity Unit, Psychiatry and Psycology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Psycology and Psycobiology Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Comas
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebrón, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina López-Cano
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (ODIM) Research Group, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Albert Lecube
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (ODIM) Research Group, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Jayedi A, Ge L, Johnston BC, Shahinfar H, Safabakhsh M, Mohamadpur S, Ghorbaninejad P, Abyadeh M, Zeraattalab-Motlagh S, Soltani S, Jibril AT, Shab-Bidar S. Comparative effectiveness of single foods and food groups on body weight: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 152 randomized controlled trials. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:1153-1164. [PMID: 36441235 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-03046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed at quantifying and ranking the effects of different foods or food groups on weight loss. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase to April 2021. We included randomized trials evaluating the comparative effects of two or more food groups, or compared a food group against a control group (usual diet, no intervention) for weight loss in adults. We conducted random-effects network meta-analysis with Bayesian framework to estimate mean difference [MD] and 95% credible interval [CrI] of the effect of food groups on weight loss. RESULTS 152 RCTs with 9669 participants were eligible. Increased consumption of fish (MD - 0.85 kg, 95% CrI - 1.66, - 0.02; GRADE = low), whole grains (MD - 0.44 kg, 95% CrI - 0.88, 0.0; GRADE = very low), and nuts (MD - 0.37 kg, 95% CI - 0.72, - 0.01; GRADE = low) demonstrated trivial weight loss, well below minimal clinically important threshold (3.9 kg), when compared with the control group. Interventions with other food groups led to no weight loss when compared with either the control group or other food groups. The certainty of the evidence was rated low to very low with the point estimates for all comparisons less than 1 kg. None of the food groups showed an important reduction in body weight when restricted to studies conducted in participants with overweight or obesity. CONCLUSIONS Interventions with a single food or food group resulted in no or trivial weight loss, especially in individuals with overweight or obesity. Further trials on single foods or food groups for weight loss should be highly discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Jayedi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-Dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Long Ge
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Bradly C Johnston
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA.
| | - Hossein Shahinfar
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Safabakhsh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-Dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Mohamadpur
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-Dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parivash Ghorbaninejad
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-Dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Abyadeh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Sheida Zeraattalab-Motlagh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-Dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Soltani
- Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Aliyu Tijani Jibril
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-Dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Shab-Bidar
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-Dost Alley, Naderi St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Feasibility of a Loving Kindness Intervention for Mitigating Weight Stigma in Nursing Students: A Focus on Self-Compassion. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:841-853. [PMID: 37090853 PMCID: PMC9975442 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02094-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Preliminary research on self-compassion as a target for reducing forms of bias is promising, yet healthcare provider self-compassion has not yet been explored in relationship to weight bias. Healthcare providers commonly endorse weight stigma and bias, contributing to health disparities for patients with “obesity.” The current study explores the feasibility of the self-compassion loving kindness meditation (LKM) as a brief intervention that reduces weight bias in nursing students. Method Participants (189 nursing students) were randomly assigned to the LKM condition or body scan control condition before engaging in an implicit bias task and answering self-report measures of internalization of the thin ideal, weight bias, positive attitudes towards people with “obesity,” positive emotions, self-compassion, cognitive flexibility, and compassionate care. Results Statistically significant differences in self-compassion, cognitive flexibility, weight bias, and compassionate care failed to be found between the groups. Participants in the LKM condition endorsed significantly higher levels of positive emotionality compared to the control condition. Higher levels of self-compassion were related to lower levels of weight bias for participants in both conditions. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that internalization of the thin ideal and self-compassion accounted for 19.2% of the variance in positive attitudes towards people with “obesity.” Conclusions This study suggests the importance of examining self- and other-compassion in the context of weight stigma. Its findings exemplify the complexity of weight stigma and the need to further explore the mechanisms to be targeted to effectively reduce healthcare professionals’ bias. Pre-registration This study is not preregistered.
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13
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Imhagen A, Karlsson J, Jansson S, Anderzén-Carlsson A. A lifelong struggle for a lighter tomorrow: A qualitative study on experiences of obesity in primary healthcare patients. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:834-846. [PMID: 35655375 PMCID: PMC10084391 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16379] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe experiences of living with obesity before the start of a group-based lifestyle intervention. BACKGROUND Obesity is a chronic disease that affects a person's physical and psychological health. Increased knowledge of experiences of living with obesity is required. DESIGN A qualitative study with a descriptive design. METHODS Semi-structured individual interviews with 17 participants living with obesity (Body Mass Index 32-49) were conducted between October and November 2019. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The COREQ checklist was followed. RESULTS The analysis resulted in one main theme: Struggling for a lighter tomorrow and three subthemes: Suffering, Resilience and Need for support in making changes. For the majority of the participants, living with obesity was a lifelong struggle involving suffering on different levels. Yet despite this, the participants had not given up and hoped for a better life. They showed a degree of resilience and motivation, and a perceived ability to achieve lifestyle changes. However, there was a pronounced need for support to help them achieve this. CONCLUSION Living with obesity is complex and carries a risk of medical complications as well as psychosocial suffering. Healthy lifestyle habits to achieve better health and to lose weight should be encouraged, taking patient resources into account. Patients also need help in handling weight stigmatisation, and both healthcare professionals and society must engage with this. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Obesity is a chronic disease, and patients need ongoing support. Therefore, care for patients with obesity in primary health care must be further developed. Patient resources and strengths have to be acknowledged and encouraged in the process of helping them adopt healthy lifestyle habits. The findings of this study can contribute to ending weight stigmatisation by increasing the knowledge of living with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Imhagen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jan Karlsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Stefan Jansson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Agneta Anderzén-Carlsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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14
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Pearl RL, Wadden TA, Groshon LC, Fitterman-Harris HF, Bach C, LaFata EM. Refining the conceptualization and assessment of internalized weight stigma: A mixed methods approach. Body Image 2023; 44:93-102. [PMID: 36549092 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Internalized weight stigma has gained increasing attention in empirical studies, though questions remain about the adequacy of existing measures. The current study utilized a mixed methods approach, including a novel semi-structured interview, to revisit the conceptualization of internalized weight stigma and explore in more depth the stereotypes and impacts of weight reported by individuals with high scores on the widely-used Weight Bias Internalization Scale. All participants were interviewed as part of the screening procedures for two clinical trials (Study 1 n = 84, mean age=47.8 years, 83.3% women, 67.9% Black, mean BMI=39.2 kg/m2; Study 2 n = 129, mean age=50.0 years, 88.4% women, 65.1% white, mean BMI=37.8 kg/m2). The most common weight stereotypes identified were being lazy, lacking willpower or self-control, and having poor eating habits. Up to 66% of participants reported that they did not endorse negative weight stereotypes or apply them to themselves. The most highly identified impacts of weight were on self-image (>70%) and emotions (68-83%), followed by social (37-62%) and health concerns (20-25%). Approximately 60% of participants indicated that weight affected their self-directed thoughts and feelings "very much" to "extremely." Findings have implications for understanding and assessing internalized weight stigma in research and in clinical settings where interventions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Pearl
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100165, Gainesville, FL 32610-0165, USA; Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Thomas A Wadden
- Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Laurie C Groshon
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100165, Gainesville, FL 32610-0165, USA
| | - Hannah F Fitterman-Harris
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, 2301 S. 3rd St., Life Sciences, Room 317, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Caroline Bach
- Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erica M LaFata
- Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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15
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Norman K, Chepulis L, Burrows L, Lawrenson R. Barriers to obesity health care from GP and client perspectives in New Zealand general practice: A meta-ethnography review. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13495. [PMID: 35833727 PMCID: PMC9540793 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a complex international health concern affecting individual quality of life and contributing to an unsustainable strain on national health systems. General practice is positioned as best suited to deliver weight management health care, yet, obesity rates remain high suggesting barriers are experienced within this space. The aim of this review is to synthesize general practitioner and client perspectives of weight management to identify barriers experienced in New Zealand general practice. Six databases were searched resulting in eight articles being included in this review. This interpretive synthesis was guided by principles of meta-ethnography and grounded theory. Four overarching themes were identified from client and general practitioner perspectives: stigma, communication, inadequate health care (system limitations for general practitioners and lack of tailored advice for clients), and sociocultural influences. These four barriers were found to be interdependent, influencing each other outside the general practice context, highlighting the intersectionality of weight management health-care barriers and further complicating effective weight management within general practice. Clients reported wanting tailored, non-stigmatized, effective weight management health care, yet, general practitioners reported being ill-equipped to provide this due to barriers both within and outside the limits of their practice. General practice requires more systemic support to deliver effective weight management including public health campaigns and indigenous health information to reduce health inequities. An appraisal of general practice being "best suited" to deliver effective weight management health care that is culturally appropriate is urgently required to improve obesity related health outcomes in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley Norman
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Lynne Chepulis
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Lisette Burrows
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Ross Lawrenson
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.,Strategy, Investment and Transformation, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand
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16
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O'Connor RM, Kenny PJ. Utility of 'substance use disorder' as a heuristic for understanding overeating and obesity. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 118:110580. [PMID: 35636576 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rates of obesity and obesity-associated diseases have increased dramatically in countries with developed economies. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are characterized by the persistent use of the substance despite negative consequences. It has been hypothesized that overconsumption of palatable energy dense food can elicit SUD-like maladaptive behaviors that contribute to persistent caloric intake beyond homeostatic need even in the face of negative consequences. Palatable food and drugs of abuse act on many of the same motivation-related circuits in the brain, and can induce, at least superficially, similar molecular, cellular, and physiological adaptations on these circuits. As such, applying knowledge about the neurobiological mechanisms of SUDs may serve as useful heuristic to better understand the persistent overconsumption of palatable food that contributes to obesity. However, many important differences exist between the actions of drugs of abuse and palatable food in the brain. This warrants caution when attributing weight gain and obesity to the manifestation of a putative SUD-related behavioral disorder. Here, we describe similarities and differences between compulsive drug use in SUDs and overconsumption in obesity and consider the merit of the concept of "food addiction".
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M O'Connor
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America.
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17
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Under the 'weight' of norms: Social representations of overweight and obesity among Brazilian, French and Spanish dietitians and laywomen. Soc Sci Med 2022; 298:114861. [PMID: 35228094 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114861] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Most contemporary Western cultures are characterized by fatphobia. The fat body is seen as morally incorrect, a sign of disease, loss of control and weakness. People with obesity and overweight, especially women, are discriminated against and stigmatized for their body size, including by health professionals like dietitians. This study sought to understand and compare social representations of obesity and overweight among dietitians and laywomen from three nationalities: Brazilian, French and Spanish. A qualitative and comparative methodology was established based on 131 semi-structured individual interviews. The analysis revealed that the categories of overweight and obesity were negatively perceived by laywomen and dietitians from all three nationalities. Moral discourses linking these conditions with lack of discipline and a lack of emotional control were frequently used. Fatness was associated with irrationality, putting individuals who were overweight and obese in a position of social and moral inferiority. In the case of obesity, these ideas were more discriminatory and stigmatizing. Although environmental, genetic, hereditary or metabolic causes were mentioned as factors causing obesity, behavioural aspects occupied a central place in the discourses. Differences were also observed among the three nationalities. Cultural factors related to the relationship with body and food seemed to influence the interviewees' social representations. Brazilian laywomen and dietitians put more emphasis on moral and individual aspects. Spanish, French and informants who were overweight were more likely to cite physiological and environmental determinants. French informants also mentioned the role of food education given by parents. In conclusion, the discourses of professionals and laywomen had more similarities than differences, were based on moral and normative judgements and influenced by sociocultural norms. Fatphobic attitudes may impact dietitians' perception of patients with obesity and the eating education process.
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18
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Myre M, Glenn NM, Berry TR. Experiences of Size Inclusive Physical Activity Settings Among Women With Larger Bodies. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35344473 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2021.1983515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Size inclusive physical activity settings may help mitigate the impact of physical activity-related weight stigma. In this interpretive description study, we aimed to understand how women with larger bodies experienced size inclusive physical activity settings. The study was informed by a settings-based approach to health promotion. Method: We interviewed nine women with larger bodies who participated in size inclusive physical activity and used an inductive approach to analyze the data. Findings: At the individual level, size inclusion was experienced as an enhancement of well-being, self-worth, and belonging. This was closely tied to the interpersonal level, whereby weight-neutral practices used by fitness instructors and lack of judgment from other exercisers contributed to experiences of size inclusion. At the organizational level, the organization's culture, marketing, programs, and physical spaces could enhance or limit inclusion and participation. However, weight stigma was prevalent in women's experiences outside the physical activity setting. Conclusion: We provide recommendations to improve size inclusion in physical activity settings.
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19
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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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20
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Feng X, Wilson A. Association between community average body mass index and perception of overweight. Soc Sci Med 2022; 294:114694. [PMID: 35038633 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Some evidence indicates under-perception of overweight is associated with lower levels of weight loss. This might be due to 'visual normalisation' of overweight through comparisons made in communities where average body mass index (BMI) is high, resulting in under-perception of overweight, which in turn, may protect against negative weight-related self-perceptions and/or reduce motivation to lose weight. Evidence in support of this hypothesis was found initially in a precision-weighted multilevel logistic regression analysis of 3729 overweight Australians aged >18 y, after adjusting for age, sex and area-level disadvantage. Participants whose BMI was -1 kg/m2 or less than the community mean BMI had lower odds of weight-related dissatisfaction (OR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.51-0.80) and perceived overweight (OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.45-0.70), compared with peers whose BMI was within ± 1 kg/m2 of the community mean. Moreover, participants whose BMI was 1 kg/m2 or greater than the community mean BMI had higher odds of weight-related dissatisfaction (OR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.69-2.30) and perceived overweight (OR = 2.81, 95%CI = 2.41-3.28) when compared to the same reference group. These findings were consistent for men and women; however, they were attenuated towards the null and rendered statistically insignificant after adjustment for personal BMI. Overall, these results indicate that among adults who are overweight, personal BMI, rather than the relative difference between personal and community BMI, is the stronger determinant of weight-related perception and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Feng
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Australia; The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Australia; Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Andrew Wilson
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia.
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21
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Hamer O, Larkin D, Relph N, Dey P. Fear-related barriers to physical activity among adults with overweight and obesity: A narrative synthesis scoping review. Obes Rev 2021; 22:e13307. [PMID: 34170596 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Physical activity is a health behavior contributing to successful weight management. Adults with overweight and obesity find it challenging to meet recommended activity guidelines because of a range of barriers, some of which are not yet fully understood. A barrier receiving limited consideration, compared with other literature within this field, is that of fear. The purpose of this scoping review was to establish the extent of literature on fear-related barriers to physical activity in adults with overweight or obesity and to identify gaps in this literature. The review followed the scoping review framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The findings of the identified papers were charted thematically using a framework of fears and age group. In total, 34 studies were included that identified nine different fears related to barriers to activity in this population. However, only a small number of studies (n = 5) had explicitly intended to explore fear-related barriers. There were notable knowledge gaps including activity-related fear of pain and movement in adults under 45 years of age. There is a strong rationale to further explore these fears because they may restrict health promoting behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hamer
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Derek Larkin
- Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Nicola Relph
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Paola Dey
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
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22
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Abstract
This essay argues that the discrimination that fat patients face is an issue of health justice. Insofar as this is the case, bioethicists and health care providers should not only care about it but also work to dismantle the systematic, institutional, social, and individual factors that are contributing to it to ensure that fat patients receive high-quality health care, free of stigma and discrimination. The essay discusses a variety of ways in which fat patients are discriminated against and considers the false assumptions that fuel such discrimination. It concludes by considering the structural and social issues that contribute to fatness and pushes health care providers to abandon the assumption that being fat is an individual moral failing. Ultimately, the paper argues, "fat" is not necessarily a bad word, nor one that health care providers should avoid.
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23
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Brelet L, Flaudias V, Désert M, Guillaume S, Llorca PM, Boirie Y. Stigmatization toward People with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082834. [PMID: 34444994 PMCID: PMC8400545 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Research about stigmatization in eating disorders (EDs) has highlighted stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination against people with EDs, as well as their harmful effects on them, including self-stigma and a difficult recovery process. Whereas a recent review focused on the consequences of ED stigma, our work aimed to provide a broader synthesis of ED stigma, including its consequences, but also its content and distribution. More precisely, we focused on three EDs-namely, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Based on a systematic search of four major databases in psychology, the present scoping review includes 46 studies published between 2004 and 2021. We did not conduct any quality assessment of the studies included, because our aim was to provide a wide-ranging overview of these topics instead of an appraisal of evidence answering a precise research question. The review confirmed the existence of a common ED stigma: all individuals affected by EDs reviewed here were perceived as responsible for their situation, and elicited negative emotions and social distance. However, our review also depicted a specific stigma content associated with each ED. In addition, the demographic characteristics of the stigmatizing individuals had a notable influence on the extent of ED stigma: men, young adults, and low-income individuals appeared to be the most stigmatizing toward individuals with EDs. It is important to note that ED stigma had a negative effect on individuals' eating disorders, psychological wellbeing, and treatment-seeking behavior. There is an urgent need for further research on the adverse effects of ED stigma and its prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Brelet
- Pôle R&D Santé, Jeolis Solutions, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentin Flaudias
- Pôle Psychiatrie B, CHU Gabriel Montpied, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
- EA 780 NPsy-Sydo, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Michel Désert
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive (LAPSCO), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - Sébastien Guillaume
- Département des Urgences Psychiatriques, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHRU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre-Michel Llorca
- CMP-B CHU, Clermont Auvergne INP, Institut Pascal, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - Yves Boirie
- Centre Troubles des Conduites Alimentaires (TCA), Service de Nutrition Clinique, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CHU Gabriel Montpied, CRNH, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
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24
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Serçekuş P, Gökçe Isbir G, Bakan G. Being overweight or obese during pregnancy: a qualitative study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:7210-7215. [PMID: 34210219 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1946777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectice of this study was to reveal difficulties, coping and expectations of overweight/obese women during pregnancy. METHODS A descriptive, phenomenological approach was used. Fourteen pregnant women having a body mass index of 25 or over 25. RESULTS The findings were presented under three themes: difficulties experienced, coping and expectations. The women had physical difficulties and their daily life was affected negatively. They experienced stigmatization, humiliation and uncertainty about how much they had to eat during pregnancy. Therefore, they were upset and unhappy. Some women denied that they were overweight and some women considered being overweight as normal due to pregnancy. Social support plays an important part in coping with difficulties; however, some women could not get sufficient social support. The women also expected to be treated tolerantly. CONCLUSION Overweight/obese women try to overcome many physical and psychological problems due to their weight during pregnancy, but they do not receive adequate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar Serçekuş
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Pamukkale University, Pamukkale, Turkey
| | | | - Gülcan Bakan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Pamukkale University, Pamukkale, Turkey
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Thedinga HK, Zehl R, Thiel A. Correction to: Weight stigma experiences and self-exclusion from sport and exercise settings among people with obesity. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:978. [PMID: 34034708 PMCID: PMC8152052 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik K Thedinga
- Institute of Sport Science, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,Interfaculty Research Institute for Sport and Physical Activity, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Roman Zehl
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ansgar Thiel
- Institute of Sport Science, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Interfaculty Research Institute for Sport and Physical Activity, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Gerend MA, Patel S, Ott N, Wetzel K, Sutin AR, Terracciano A, Maner JK. A qualitative analysis of people's experiences with weight-based discrimination. Psychol Health 2021; 37:1093-1110. [PMID: 33979254 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1921179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe people's day-to-day experiences with weight-based discrimination and to distill themes that shed new light on this phenomenon. DESIGN A qualitative study was conducted in 2019 using a purposive sampling strategy. A racially and ethnically diverse sample of 32 U.S. adult men and women with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 completed a semi-structured interview. RESULTS Primary types of interpersonal weight-based discrimination included offensive comments, negative assumptions, social rejection, and unwanted attention or bullying. Participants also encountered environmental sources of weight bias such as inadequate seating in public venues. Three higher order themes that cut across people's experiences with weight-based discrimination were identified: 1) the often-ambiguous nature of weight-based discrimination; 2) intersections between body weight and other social identities; and 3) the role of social comparison processes. CONCLUSION Findings provide a detailed portrait of people's everyday experiences with weight-based discrimination. These experiences often reflected widely held negative stereotypes about people with higher body weight and conveyed the socially devalued status of higher-weight individuals in society. Findings have important implications for future research and interventions aimed at reducing the harmful effects of weight-based discrimination on health and emotional wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Gerend
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Shefali Patel
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Nicholas Ott
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Karen Wetzel
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Angelina R Sutin
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Antonio Terracciano
- Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jon K Maner
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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Lawson JL, Schuh LM, Creel DB, Blackinton RM, Giambrone SA, Grilo CM, Ivezaj V. Examining Weight Bias and Loss-of-Control Eating among Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery. Obes Surg 2021; 31:3498-3505. [PMID: 33866532 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-021-05418-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Externalized weight bias (EWB), directed towards others, and internalized weight bias (IWB), directed towards the self, are thought to exacerbate obesity and disordered eating and may be important factors to assess and understand among individuals seeking bariatric surgery. This study examined clinical correlates (pre-surgical BMI, depressive symptoms, weight self-efficacy, and shape/weight overvaluation) of both EWB and IWB among individuals presenting for bariatric surgery with and without regular loss-of-control eating (LOC eating). METHODS A total of 316 adults presenting for bariatric surgery completed established self-report measures to assess EWB, IWB, depressive symptoms, weight self-efficacy, and core symptoms of disordered eating including LOC eating and overvaluation of shape/weight. RESULTS IWB and EWB were not associated with pre-surgical BMI, age, or sex, but were both significantly higher among White than non-White participants. Adjusting for race, IWB and EWB were significantly associated with greater eating disorder psychopathology and depressive symptoms and with less weight-related self-efficacy. Participants who endorsed regular LOC eating (53.5% of the sample) endorsed significantly lower weight self-efficacy and higher IWB, EWB, depressive symptoms, and overvaluation of shape/weight. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that regular LOC eating is common among individuals seeking bariatric surgery and associated with a range of heightened eating disorder and psychosocial concerns including both IWB and EWB. Future research exploring the longitudinal significance of the relationship between these two forms of weight bias and LOC eating is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Lawson
- Psychiatry Department, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Leslie M Schuh
- St. Vincent Bariatric Center, Ascension St. Vincent Carmel Hospital, Carmel, IN, 46032, USA
| | - David B Creel
- St. Vincent Bariatric Center, Ascension St. Vincent Carmel Hospital, Carmel, IN, 46032, USA.,Bariatric & Metabolic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | | | | | - Carlos M Grilo
- Psychiatry Department, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Valentina Ivezaj
- Psychiatry Department, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
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Siqueira BB, Assumpção MC, Barroso SM, Japur CC, Penaforte FRDO. Weight stigma and health – Repercussions on the health of adolescents and adults: integrative review of the literature. JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE PSIQUIATRIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/0047-2085000000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective To conduct an integrative review in order to understand the repercussions of the social stigma of overweight on the health of adults and adolescents. Methods The international protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis studies PRISMA was adopted to guide the writing of this review. The databases used were PubMed, Psycinfo, SciELO, Medline, Lilacs and Pepsic, considering studies published in the period from 2000 to 2020. Sixty-seven (67) articles were analyzed, and 4 categories emerged: repercussions on physical well-being; repercussions on social well-being; repercussions on mental well-being; and mixed category (physical and psychological impact). Results In the vast majority of studies analyzed, weight stigma had a negative impact on the different spheres that make up the health construct, that is, the physical, social and mental spheres. Conclusions The consequences of weight stigma are a source of intense suffering, with an impact that reduces the quality of life of individuals who experience stigmatization, involving physical, emotional and social aspects.
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Thedinga HK, Zehl R, Thiel A. Weight stigma experiences and self-exclusion from sport and exercise settings among people with obesity. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:565. [PMID: 33752645 PMCID: PMC7983352 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10565-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A central strategy to tackle the health risks of obesity is regular physical activity (PA), exercising and participating in sports. However, people with obesity regularly experience weight-related stigma and discrimination in sport and exercise settings. Research has indicated that they often cope with such experiences by simply excluding themselves from sport and exercise. Meanwhile, self-exclusion as a coping strategy has not been fully understood and it remains unclear to what extent self-exclusion from PA settings is accompanied by general inactivity among people with obesity. The goal of this interview study was to determine to what extent physical inactivity among adults with obesity is the result of weight stigma-induced self-exclusion in and from sport and PA settings. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with thirty adult men and women with obesity (average BMI: 40.64) and asked them about experiences with their body, weight stigma and coping behaviours in sport and exercise settings across their lifespans. Employing constant comparative analysis and a thematic network approach, we analysed the interview data to identify the most common reasons for and different strategies of self-exclusion. RESULTS Participants reported that they excluded themselves from sport and exercise settings due to traumatic weight stigma experiences, self-discrimination and fear of stigma, using a variety of strategies. Exposure to discrimination was prevented by selectively avoiding certain settings or strategically frequenting them at certain times only, but also by exercising in 'safe' spaces, e.g. at home. Furthermore, people with obesity reported strategically managing their social relations in order to avoid stigmatising reactions by others in exercise settings, for example by exercising individually and avoiding social PA. Most notably, our results strongly indicate that not all self-excluding coping strategies result in less exercising. CONCLUSIONS In order to successfully promote physical activity among people with obesity, the various forms of self-exclusion should be taken into account as pathways of stigma regarding physical activity. People with obesity may exclude themselves from certain PA settings, yet could still be exercising on their own or in other ways. One focus of public health strategies should thus be directed at the potentially socially isolating effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik K Thedinga
- Institute of Sport Science, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Interfaculty Research Institute for Sport and Physical Activity, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Roman Zehl
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ansgar Thiel
- Institute of Sport Science, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty Research Institute for Sport and Physical Activity, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Unburdening the Weight of Stigma: Findings From a Compassion-Focused Group Program for Women With Overweight and Obesity. J Cogn Psychother 2020; 34:336-357. [PMID: 33372127 DOI: 10.1891/jcpsy-d-20-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a 2-day intensive-format, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) based group program targeting weight stigma in women with overweight and obesity, and to conduct a pilot study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. METHOD Participants were 15 females aged 18-62 years (mean [M] = 43.60, standard deviation [SD] = 12.38), who participated in the program and completed measures of self-compassion, internalized weight stigma, psychological distress, life-satisfaction, loneliness, eating self-efficacy, body dissatisfaction, and body shame, at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Significant improvements were found from pre-treatment to post-treatment for self-compassion and internalized weight stigma, with gains maintained at 3-month follow-up. Significant improvements were also found on measures of psychological distress, life satisfaction, loneliness, eating self-efficacy, and body dissatisfaction at the post-treatment assessment. Credibility ratings of the program were high. CONCLUSIONS This study has contributed to existing stigma research, being the first proof-of-concept study to demonstrate support for an intensive, CFT based group approach targeting the effects of weight stigma for women with overweight and obesity. The findings are discussed in terms of the potential of CFT to assist women develop resilience to the harmful effects of weight stigma, and possible future research directions to further develop and evaluate this approach.
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Wu HF. Social determination, health selection or indirect selection? Examining the causal directions between socioeconomic status and obesity in the Chinese adult population. Soc Sci Med 2020; 269:113564. [PMID: 33303291 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Using nationally representative longitudinal data from 2010 to 2016 in China, this paper aims to systematically investigate the dynamic relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and obesity in the Chinese adult population. We apply maximum likelihood estimations of dynamic panel models with fixed effects to evaluate the causal directions between SES and obesity, thus providing empirical evidence of the relative importance of the "social determination" hypothesis (SES determines obesity), the "health selection" hypothesis (obesity influences SES) and the "indirect selection" hypothesis (some third factors cause obesity and SES). All analyses were conducted for women and men separately. Our analyses mostly support the contention that after two years, there are no significant causal effects of either lagged SES on Body Mass Index (BMI) or BMI on SES, after controlling for time-invariant unobserved confounders. While there is weak evidence of social determination among men, non-manual workers tend to have a higher BMI than those who are unemployed. We conclude that the indirect selection hypothesis may be the most important explanation in understanding the relationship between SES and obesity in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hania Fei Wu
- Fudan University, Department of Sociology, Room 925, Liberal Art Building, No. 290, Guonian Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
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32
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Forbes Y, Donovan C. The role of internalised weight stigma and self‐compassion in the psychological well‐being of overweight and obese women. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Forbes
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caroline Donovan
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
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Gerend MA, Sutin AR, Terracciano A, Maner JK. The role of psychological attribution in responses to weight stigma. Obes Sci Pract 2020; 6:473-483. [PMID: 33082989 PMCID: PMC7556435 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Weight discrimination is associated with numerous negative health consequences. Little is known about early‐stage psychological mechanisms that explain variability in responses to weight discrimination among people with obesity. This study tested the hypothesis that attributing negative social evaluation to one's weight would be associated with stigma‐related stress responses (eg, reduced cognitive functioning and self‐esteem, increased negative affect and cortisol), especially among people who had experienced frequent weight discrimination in the past. Methods Adults (N = 109) with obesity were randomly assigned to receive a mildly positive (control) versus negative social evaluation. The extent to which participants attributed the negative evaluation to their physical appearance was assessed, along with negative affect, social and appearance self‐esteem, cognitive functioning and salivary cortisol. Results Participants who had experienced frequent weight discrimination in the past were more likely to attribute the negative evaluation to their appearance. Participants who attributed the negative evaluation to their appearance in turn experienced elevated negative affect, lower appearance self‐esteem and worse cognitive functioning. Conclusions This study is among the first to identify attribution as an early‐stage process underlying responses to weight stigma. Attribution may be a key psychological factor conferring risk for or protection from the negative effects of weight stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Gerend
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, College of Medicine Florida State University Tallahassee Florida USA
| | - Angelina R Sutin
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, College of Medicine Florida State University Tallahassee Florida USA
| | - Antonio Terracciano
- Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine Florida State University Tallahassee Florida USA
| | - Jon K Maner
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences Florida State University Tallahassee Florida USA
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Potter L, Meadows A, Smyth J. Experiences of weight stigma in everyday life: An ecological momentary assessment study. J Health Psychol 2020; 26:2781-2793. [PMID: 32538175 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320934179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Weight stigma and discrimination have been linked to negative health outcomes. Most research on this topic is retrospective, which may not accurately capture day-to-day experiences. The current used ecological momentary assessment to examine weight stigma and discrimination in everyday life. Participants answered ecological momentary assessments about the nature, frequency, and contextual details of weight stigma and discrimination. Over the course of the study, only eight episodes of weight stigma and discrimination were reported. Given that prior ecological momentary assessment studies reported substantially more frequent weight stigma and discrimination, possible explanations for the findings and implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joshua Smyth
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
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35
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Manokaran R, Pausé C, Roßmöller M, Vilhjálmsdóttir TM. ‘Nothing about us without us’: Fat people speak. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14780887.2020.1780355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cat Pausé
- Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Pudney EV, Himmelstein MS, Puhl RM, Foster GD. Distressed or not distressed? A mixed methods examination of reactions to weight stigma and implications for emotional wellbeing and internalized weight bias. Soc Sci Med 2020; 249:112854. [PMID: 32097842 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
People react to, and are affected by, stigmatizing experiences in different ways. The current study examined different reactions to weight stigma to identify who may be vulnerable to lasting distress from these experiences. Using a mixed methods approach, this study compared qualitative descriptions of reactions to experiences of weight stigma in conjunction with quantitative measures of weight bias internalization (WBI) and other health indices. Data were collected from September 2017 to August 2018. Participants were U.S. adults enrolled in a commercial weight management program (n = 425, 96% female) who reported previous experiences of weight stigma (on quantitative measures), and who also qualitatively described feeling either no longer distressed (n = 178) or still distressed (n = 247) by those experiences. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants who were no longer distressed engaged in self-acceptance, were not concerned about other's evaluations of them, and prioritized health rather than appearance. Those who were still distressed from previous weight stigma experiences considered their body weight, and being stigmatized for it, as playing a prominent role in shaping their self-perception, they blamed themselves for experiencing the consequences of weight stigma, and ruminated on their memories of stigmatizing experiences. Hierarchical regressions demonstrated that participants who were still distressed reported greater WBI, greater perceived stress, and poorer mental health than participants who were no longer distressed. When adding WBI to the model predicting perceived stress, differences between participants who were no longer distressed versus still distressed attenuated and became statistically insignificant, suggesting that these qualitative reaction patterns to stigma may be related to participants' level of WBI. Given that some people may experience longer term distress from weight stigma than others, this study can inform interventions aimed to prevent or mitigate the negative consequences associated with being stigmatized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen V Pudney
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA.
| | - Mary S Himmelstein
- Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA; Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, USA
| | - Rebecca M Puhl
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Gary D Foster
- WW (formerly Weight Watchers), New York, NY, USA; Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Thiel A, John JM, Carl J, Thedinga HK. Weight Stigma Experiences and Physical (In)activity: A Biographical Analysis. Obes Facts 2020; 13:386-402. [PMID: 32604098 PMCID: PMC7445546 DOI: 10.1159/000507936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with obesity often report experiences of weight-related discrimination. In order to find out how such experiences throughout the life course are related to physical activity behavior, we exploratively studied activity-related biographies of people with obesity from a social constructivist perspective. METHODS We collected biographical data of 30 adults (mean age 37.66 years; 14 males and 16 females) with obesity (average BMI 40.64, including a range from 33 to 58) using a biography visualization tool that allows participants to map developmental courses and critical life experiences over their life course. RESULTS Participants remembered a continuous decrease of physical activity from childhood to mid-adulthood. Weight-related discrimination, both in sport and non-sport settings, was especially experienced in adolescence and mid-adulthood. Against the background of our findings, we assume that the degree of felt stigma rather than the stigmatizing behavior itself influences physical activity behavior over the life course. CONCLUSION The results of our exploratory study reiterate the detrimental effect weight stigma can have on health behaviors. Initiatives are needed to reduce weight stigma in exercise contexts; additionally, initiatives to promote physical activity should focus on helping individuals with obesity to establish coping strategies to reduce the experienced burden from weight stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar Thiel
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany,
| | - Jannika M John
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Carl
- Institute of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik K Thedinga
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
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Bessey M, Lordly D. Weight Inclusive Practice: Shifting the Focus from Weight to Social Justice. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2019; 81:127-131. [PMID: 31736326 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2019-034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is framed by mainstream media and health care professionals as an "epidemic" contributing to the ill health of the population. This paper reviews literature related to dominant discourses about weight in dietetics, drawing on literature from other health care disciplines, and how these discourses influence patient care. Emerging, competing discourses are also reviewed. Literature highlighted that dietitians and dietetic students are often biased and hold stigmatizing beliefs toward "overweight" and "obese" patients. No research has been conducted in Canada addressing this question, leaving this as an opportunity for future research. Weight stigma and interventions focused on weight have multiple negative implications for individuals, especially those living in larger bodies, including reluctance to seek health care, poor body image, subsequent weight gain, and increased disordered eating. There are alternative discourses emerging, which shift the focus away from weight and toward social justice. The ways in which dietetic students are trained to "manage" weight, and how dominant discourses influence this training, is an important area of future exploration. Dietetic professionals are encouraged to reflect on their weight biases and educate themselves on weight inclusive approaches to health, such as Health at Every Size and Well Now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Bessey
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.,Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
| | - Daphne Lordly
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.,Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
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Haga BM, Furnes B, Dysvik E, Ueland V. Putting life on hold: lived experiences of people with obesity. Scand J Caring Sci 2019; 34:514-523. [DOI: 10.1111/scs.12756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Britt Marit Haga
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
| | - Bodil Furnes
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
| | - Elin Dysvik
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
| | - Venke Ueland
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
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40
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Gyi D, Masson A, Hignett S. Plus size and obese workers: anthropometry estimates to promote inclusive design. ERGONOMICS 2019; 62:1234-1242. [PMID: 31132293 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1622791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A significant proportion of the adult population globally is overweight, obese or classed as 'plus size'. This has led to variability in size and shape across the working population and exclusion in the workplace. A new dataset of the anthropometry of plus size people has been created. Length dimensions were similar to other data, but breadth, circumference, and depth measurements were substantially larger. The hip breadth and abdominal depth were important for predicting largeness in this population. These data help explain the high exclusion rates from design and the number of fit, reach, posture and clearance issues reported by participants with a high BMI: generally, the higher the BMI the greater prevalence of problems. It is hoped that a better understanding of the anthropometric characteristics of the plus size worker will inform the design of safe, productive work environments to promote inclusion for a wider range of people. Practitioner Summary: A new anthropometry dataset of plus size people has been created. The higher the BMI the greater the problems with design in the workplace for fit, reach, posture and clearance. To ensure inclusion and reduce stigma it is important to understand more about the size and shape of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Gyi
- a Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
| | - Annabel Masson
- b School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Sue Hignett
- a Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
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Peletidi A, Kayyali R. Experiences of the Pharmacy-Led Weight Management Service: Views of Service Providers in England. PHARMACY 2019; 7:E82. [PMID: 31277208 PMCID: PMC6789563 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy7030082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity constitutes one of the main modifiable risks of developing cardiovascular disease. In the UK, in 2016, 30% of the adult population were obese (30% of females and 29% of males). Community pharmacies are ideally situated to offer weight management (WM) services, enabling individuals to control and lose their excess weight. This study aimed at exploring the views of the pharmacy-led WM service providers in England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 trained community pharmacists and pharmacy staff-11 (73.3%) from Kent, three (20%) from Kingston and Richmond and one (6.7%) from Hackney and City-offering the WM service, either owning or working in independent pharmacies or for pharmacy chains. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and anonymised. The analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: training and support, barriers and approach. Interestingly, service providers (SP) stated that obesity is a tough topic to talk about: they found it difficult to start a conversation about it, even if they had received training to facilitate this role. Additionally, several barriers for running such a service were identified, such as lack of time, too much work pressure and too little advertising, which could potentially lead to poor sustainability of the service. SPs can effectively intervene in an individual's weight through the WM service that they offer. It is clear that further training should be provided in order for SPs to feel more comfortable in approaching and communicating with people and to increase the public's awareness of the pharmacy-led WM service, so as to ensure the service's sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliki Peletidi
- Pharmacy Programme, School of Life Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
| | - Reem Kayyali
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, London KT1 2EE, UK.
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Marttinen MK, Kautiainen H, Haanpää M, Pohjankoski H, Vuorimaa H, Hintikka J, Kauppi MJ. Pain-related factors in older adults. Scand J Pain 2019; 19:797-803. [PMID: 31085750 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2019-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pain is an evident factor affecting the quality of life in all age groups. The objective was to examine the prevalence of self-reported SF-36 bodily pain and pain-related factors in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS One thousand four hundred and twenty adults aged 62-86 years self-reported SF-36 bodily pain during the previous month. For the analysis, four pain groups were formed (group I [0-45, moderate to very severe pain intensity and interference], group II [47.5-70], group III [77.5-90], and group IV [100, no pain at all]). Additional questionnaire-provided data regarding education, wealth, life habits, and morbidity, as well as clinical data were considered. RESULTS The overall pain prevalence was 78% (SF-36 bodily pain score <100). The prevalence of cohabiting, as well as the years of education and household income were found to decrease with an increasing SF-36 bodily pain score. The prevalence of a BMI of over 30 and of central obesity emerged as the highest in group I. Morbidities were found to be most prevalent in group I. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of intense and interfering pain was reported. Multiple factors that were found to relate to pain have previously been demonstrated to associate with social exclusion. Increasing attention should be paid to distinguishing these factors in patients with pain, as well as targeted pain assessment and measures to improve the sense of community among older adults. IMPLICATIONS There is a lack of large studies that examine a wide scale of pain-related factors in the older adult population. To distinguish subjects with multiple such factors would help medical professionals to target their attention to patients at a high risk of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiju K Marttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Kautiainen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Primary Health Care Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maija Haanpää
- Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heini Pohjankoski
- Department of Pediatrics, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland
| | - Hanna Vuorimaa
- Department of Pediatrics, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland
| | - Jukka Hintikka
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland
| | - Markku J Kauppi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Rheumatology, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland
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43
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Akoury LM, Schafer KJ, Warren CS. Fat Women’s Experiences in Therapy: “You Can’t See Beyond…Unless I Share It with You”. WOMEN & THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/02703149.2018.1524063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liya M. Akoury
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | | | - Cortney S. Warren
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Choose Honesty, LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada
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44
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Affiliation(s)
- Cat Pausé
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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45
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Crino ND, Parker HM, Gifford JA, Lau KYK, Greenfield EM, Donges CE, O'Dwyer NJ, Steinbeck KS, O'Connor HT. Recruiting young women to weight management programs: Barriers and enablers. Nutr Diet 2018; 76:392-398. [PMID: 30575276 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Recruiting young women to weight management research programs is difficult. The purpose of this study was to gain insights into the barriers and motivators that influence participation and to explore effective methods of recruitment from the perspective of young women with obesity living in both urban and regional areas. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were used to elicit information from focus groups. The interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed qualitatively. Eight focus groups, which included a total of 27 women, were conducted. Participants had a mean age of 29.1 (±5.1) years and a mean body mass index of 35.8 (±2.9) kg/m2 . RESULTS The barriers to participation were multifaceted and largely similar across urban and regional participants. Fear of judgement and uncertainty about the process were major psychosocial barriers. A lack of tailoring of program content was an important program-related barrier. Physical barriers such as time commitment, cost and access were discussed extensively, particularly in urban groups. The provision of incentives and the use of positive language that focusses on the benefits of the intervention were viewed positively. Physical and virtual methods of recruitment were identified as potentially effective provided they were presented in media that this group is likely to use and can access in a private location. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide a greater understanding of the challenges faced by young women in relation to participation in weight management programs and some of the potential methods that could be utilised to facilitate participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie D Crino
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Helen M Parker
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janelle A Gifford
- Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Y Karen Lau
- Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Cheyne E Donges
- School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas J O'Dwyer
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katharine S Steinbeck
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen T O'Connor
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia
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46
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Kebbe M, Perez A, Buchholz A, McHugh TLF, Scott SS, Richard C, Mohipp C, Dyson MP, Ball GDC. Barriers and enablers for adopting lifestyle behavior changes in adolescents with obesity: A multi-centre, qualitative study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209219. [PMID: 30562377 PMCID: PMC6298663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many adolescents with obesity do not meet recommendations for nutrition, physical and sedentary activities, and sleep habits, all of which can influence weight management. OBJECTIVE To explore barriers and enablers that influenced the adoption of lifestyle behavior changes among adolescents receiving multidisciplinary clinical care for pediatric weight management. METHODS In this multi-centre, qualitative description study, we used purposeful sampling to recruit 13-17 year olds (body mass index ≥85th percentile) enrolled in one of two pediatric weight management clinics in Edmonton and Ottawa, Canada. Adolescents participated in one-on-one, in-person, semi-structured interviews in English or French. Interviews lasted 30-60 minutes, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and managed using NVivo 11. Data were triangulated using transcripts, field notes, and memos and analyzed by two independent researchers using inductive, semantic thematic analysis. RESULTS In total, 19 adolescents (12 Anglophone and 7 Francophone; 15.1±1.7 years old; 3.5±0.6 BMI z-score; n = 11 female; n = 13 Caucasian) participated. Adolescents reported diverse barriers to and enablers of healthy nutrition, physical and sedentary activities, and sleep habits, which we organized into the following themes: physiological mechanisms and physical health status, self-regulation for behavior change, controllability and competence beliefs, social relationships and interactions, and accessibility to and availability of opportunities for lifestyle enhancement. Across these themes and lifestyle areas, we identified three shared barriers and/or enablers, including the degree of controllability, the impact of mental health, and social pressures related to weight management. CONCLUSIONS This research provides evidence that can be used to tailor interventions and health services delivery, including a focus on psychosocial well-being, to support adolescents with obesity in making and maintaining healthy lifestyle behavior changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kebbe
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Arnaldo Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Annick Buchholz
- Centre for Healthy Active Living, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara-Leigh F McHugh
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon S Scott
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caroline Richard
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Charmaine Mohipp
- Centre for Healthy Active Living, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele P Dyson
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Geoff D C Ball
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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47
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Salemonsen E, Hansen BS, Førland G, Holm AL. Healthy Life Centre participants' perceptions of living with overweight or obesity and seeking help for a perceived "wrong" lifestyle - a qualitative interview study. BMC OBESITY 2018; 5:42. [PMID: 30546910 PMCID: PMC6282310 DOI: 10.1186/s40608-018-0218-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity are complex conditions, associated with a wide range of serious health issues. In contemporary society, body size is an important part of a person's self-representation. Lifestyle changes are difficult and long-term weight management is associated with a high risk of failure. In primary health care in Norway, lifestyle interventions are offered by Healthy Life Centres (HLCs) to those seeking help with weight management. The aim of this study was to explore HLC participants' experiences of living with overweight or obesity and perceptions of seeking help to change dietary and activity habits. METHOD This exploratory study employed a qualitative design. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The analysis resulted in one main theme: Searching for dignity, based on two themes: 1) Needing to justify avoidance of personal responsibility and 2) A desire to change. CONCLUSION Changing dietary and activity habits is difficult as the emotional alternation between shame, guilt and pride influences the ability to assume personal responsibility. A deeper understanding of each participant's perceptions and experiences is important for the ability to tailor and provide a high quality health service. Addressing participants' emotional distress and search for dignity is necessary for enabling dietary and activity change. This should be considered in the future development of HLCs and health promotion interventions in order to educate service users about emotions and the role they play in food consumption and inactivity. Weight stigma at individual and system level as well as responsibility related to dilemmas about "right" or "wrong" lifestyle should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Salemonsen
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health and Caring Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bjørnsons gate 45, 5528 Haugesund, Norway
- University of Stavanger, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kjell Arholmsgate 39, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Britt Sætre Hansen
- University of Stavanger, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kjell Arholmsgate 39, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Georg Førland
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health and Caring Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bjørnsons gate 45, 5528 Haugesund, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Holm
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health and Caring Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bjørnsons gate 45, 5528 Haugesund, Norway
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Cheraghi MA, Rezasoltani P, Vedadhir A, Taghizadeh Z, Samadanifard SH. Parents' concerns regarding the growth characteristics of their adolescents: a qualitative inquiry in Iran. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2018; 13:1453179. [PMID: 29648944 PMCID: PMC5906932 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2018.1453179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent times, parents have become increasingly concerned, both subjectively and objectively, about their adolescents' body height/weight growth. Parent-adolescent interactions about this issue and the potential socio-psychological consequences of such interactions should be considered as an important influencing factor on the future of adolescents' sexual and reproductive health. To achieve a greater understanding of such concerns, it is necessary to further elucidate parents' experiences on this topic, so as to expand the existing literature. This study aimed to explain the perceptions of parents' concerns regarding their adolescents' growth characteristics in the socio-cultural context of Iran as a transitional society. This paper is part of a larger qualitative study designed using the Constructivist Grounded Theory Methodology (CGTM). We conducted open-ended intensive interviews with eleven parents individually and recruited them through purposeful and theoretical sampling from a teaching hospital, community, and a primary school in Tehran with theoretical sampling variation in terms of teenagers' age, sex, and birth order, place of residence, parents' occupation and education, and the self-reported socio-economic status. Using the analytical procedures of the CGTM, we performed analyses. In the findings, the concept of 'living with constant sense of uncertainty' emerged from the subcategories including 'feeling existing and potential concern about expected minimum and maximum bio-positions of growth,' 'feeling potential concern about biological health consequences,' 'feeling potential concern about the emergence of early/late maturity signs,' 'feeling potential concern about adolescent's emotional threat,' 'feeling concerned about future employment, education, marriage, and fertility,' and 'feeling potential concern about the society's view'. These findings suggest that parents are living with a constant sense of uncertainty about their teens' growth characteristics throughout the transition from adolescence. All stakeholders including parents, health-care practitioners and policymakers, and anthropologists/sociologists should be focus on such concerns, in order to manage them and their possible socio-psychological burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Cheraghi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Rezasoltani
- PhD candidate, Department of Reproductive Health & Midwifery, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - AbouAli Vedadhir
- Department of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS), University College London, London, UK
| | - Ziba Taghizadeh
- Department of Reproductive Health & Midwifery, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Samadanifard
- Department of Endocrinology, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
The dominant obesity discourse which emphasises individual moral responsibility and lifestyle modification encourages weight-based stigma. Existing research overwhelmingly demonstrates that obesity stigma is an ineffective means by which to reduce the incidence of obesity and that it promotes weight-gain. However, the sensate experiences associated with the subjective experience of obesity stigma as a reflexively embodied phenomenon have been largely unexamined. This article addresses this knowledge gap by providing a phenomenological account. Data are derived from 11 months of ethnographic participant observation and semi-structured interviews with three single-sex weight-loss groups in England. Group members were predominantly overweight/obese and of low-socio-economic status. The analysis triangulates these two data sources to investigate what/how obesity stigma made group members feel. We find that obesity stigma confused participant’s objective and subjective experiences of their bodies. This was primarily evident on occasions when group members felt heavier after engaging in behaviours associated with weight-gain but this ‘weight’ did not register on the weighing scales. We conceptualise this as the weight of expectation which is taken as illustrative of the perpetual uncertainty and morality that characterises weight-management. In addition, we show that respondents ascribed their sensate experiences of physiological responses to exercise with moral and social significance. These carnal cues provided a sense of certainty and played an important role in attempts to negotiate obesity stigma. These findings deepen the understanding of how and why obesity stigma is an inappropriate and ineffective means of promoting weight-loss.
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50
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Megías Á, González-Cutre D, Beltrán-Carrillo VJ, Gomis-Díaz JM, Cervelló E, Bartholomew KJ. The impact of living with morbid obesity on psychological need frustration: A study with bariatric patients. Stress Health 2018; 34:509-522. [PMID: 29790653 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Guided by self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the previous experiences of living with morbid obesity of 10 postbariatric patients enrolled in a physical activity programme. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and diarized observations. A thematic analysis revealed that participants suffered from health and mobility troubles in their daily life and experienced stigmatization and discrimination in most areas of their social functioning. Participants described how these experiences resulted in the thwarting of their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness. In turn, psychological need frustration contributed to negative consequences such as body image concerns, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression; controlled regulation of their eating behaviour and extrinsic goals; rigid behaviours such as avoiding social situations; and compensatory and self-defeating behaviours such as giving up diet and physical activity regimens and binge eating (i.e., oppositional defiance). This study highlights how living with morbid obesity can impair optimal functioning and well-being via experiences of psychological need frustration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Megías
- Sport Research Center, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | | | | | - José M Gomis-Díaz
- Sport Research Center, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Eduardo Cervelló
- Sport Research Center, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
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