Weight Stigmatization and Binge Eating in Asian Americans with Overweight and Obesity

A systematic review of weight stigma and disordered eating cognitions and behaviors

Weight stigma is persistent across contexts and is associated with disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. This systematic review aimed to examine the existing literature that has explored the relationship between weight stigma and disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. We specifically examined three dimensions of weight stigma - experienced, anticipated, and internalized - and adopted an inclusive conceptualization of outcomes related to disordered eating (including constructs such as binge eating, body dissatisfaction, and other cognitions and behaviors such as dietary restraint, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and drive for thinness). We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, and PsycINFO for English-language, peer-reviewed articles and dissertations with quantitative methodology published through October 2023. The search resulted in 242 articles meeting inclusion criteria. A narrative review found a consistent relationship between greater weight stigma and more disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. Methodological and theoretical limitations are discussed, as are critical avenues for future research and potential clinical implications stemming from this body of research. Given the widespread nature and impact of weight stigma on disordered eating, it is imperative that we intervene to address weight stigma at all levels, from the structural to the intrapersonal.

Validation of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M) among First-Generation Asian Immigrants

Internalized weight bias (i.e., the application of negative weight-based stereotypes to one's self-evaluation) is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. The 10-item version of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M) is one of the most commonly used measures to assess internalized weight bias. However, studies examining the psychometric properties of the WBIS-M are limited in racially minoritized U.S.-based populations. The current study sought to examine the factor structure of the 10-item version of the WBIS-M in a sample of first-generation Asian immigrants, as both native and foreign-born Asian populations have consistently demonstrated higher rates of weight-related concerns relative to other racially minoritized groups. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure, and a multiple indicator multiple cause modeling approach was used to assess associations between internalized weight bias and sociodemographic predictors. Results confirm the unidimensionality of the WBIS-M and provide preliminary support for a nine-item version. Identifying as a woman (p = .027) and perceiving oneself as overweight (p < .001) were significantly associated with greater internalized weight bias. When working with Asian and Asian American clients, mental health service providers should be aware of potential weight-related concerns and may consider using the WBIS-M to assess for internalized weight bias.

Acculturation and eating disorders: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Acculturation, or the dual process of cultural change that takes place due to the interaction between two or more cultural identities, may contribute to the susceptibility of developing an eating disorder (ED). We conducted a systematic review exploring the relationship between acculturation-related constructs and ED pathology.

METHODS

We searched the PsychINFO and Pubmed/Medline databases up to December 2022. Inclusion criteria were: (1) having a measure of acculturation or related constructs; (2) having a measure of ED symptoms; and (3) experiencing cultural change to a different culture with Western ideals. 22 articles were included in the review. Outcome data were synthesized by narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

There was variability in the definition and measure of acculturation in the literature. Overall, acculturation, culture change, acculturative stress, and intergenerational conflict were associated with ED behavioral and/or cognitive symptoms. However, the nature of the specific associations differed depending on the specific acculturation constructs and ED cognitions and behaviors measured. Furthermore, cultural factors (e.g., in-group vs. out-group preferences, generational status, ethnic group, gender) impacted the relationship between acculturation and ED pathology.

DISCUSSION

Overall, this review highlights the need for more precise definitions of the different domains of acculturation and a more nuanced understanding of the specific relationship between various acculturation domains and specific ED cognitions and behaviors. Most of the studies were conducted in undergraduate women and in Hispanic/Latino samples, limiting generalizability of results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.

Binge Eating Disorder Is a Social Justice Issue: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study of Binge Eating Disorder Experts' Opinions

BACKGROUND

Binge eating disorder is an autonomous DSM-V diagnosis characterized by discrete rapid consumption of objectively large amounts of food without compensation, associated with loss of control and distress. Environmental factors that contribute to binge eating disorder continue to evolve. This mixed-methods cross-sectional study assessed whether there is consensus among experts in the field about environmental factors that influence adult binge eating disorder pathology.

METHODS

Fourteen expert binge eating disorder researchers, clinicians, and healthcare administrators were identified internationally based on federal funding, PubMed-indexed publications, active practice in the field, leadership in relevant societies, and/or clinical and popular press distinction. Semi-structured interviews were recorded anonymously and analyzed by ≥2 investigators using reflexive thematic analysis and quantification.

RESULTS

Identified themes included: (1) systemic issues and systems of oppression (100%); (2) marginalized and under-represented populations (100%); (3) economic precarity and food/nutrition insecurity/scarcity (93%); (4) stigmatization and its psychological impacts (93%); (5) trauma and adversity (79%); (6) interpersonal factors (64%); (7) social messaging and social media (50%); (8) predatory food industry practices (29%); and (9) research/clinical gaps and directives (100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, experts call for policy changes around systemic factors that abet binge eating and for greater public education about who can have binge eating disorder. There is also a call to take and account for the narratives and life experiences of individuals with binge eating disorder to better inform our current understanding of the diagnosis and the environmental factors that impact it.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence-Based Conversational Agents (Chatbots) for Weight Loss: Scoping Review and Practical Recommendations

Background

Overweight and obesity have now reached a state of a pandemic despite the clinical and commercial programs available. Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have a strong potential in optimizing such programs for weight loss.

Objective

This study aimed to review AI chatbot use cases for weight loss and to identify the essential components for prolonging user engagement.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using the 5-stage framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Articles were searched across nine electronic databases (ACM Digital Library, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, IEEE Xplore, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) until July 9, 2021. Gray literature, reference lists, and Google Scholar were also searched.

Results

A total of 23 studies with 2231 participants were included and evaluated in this review. Most studies (8/23, 35%) focused on using AI chatbots to promote both a healthy diet and exercise, 13% (3/23) of the studies used AI chatbots solely for lifestyle data collection and obesity risk assessment whereas only 4% (1/23) of the studies focused on promoting a combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management. In total, 48% (11/23) of the studies used only text-based AI chatbots, 52% (12/23) operationalized AI chatbots through smartphones, and 39% (9/23) integrated data collected through fitness wearables or Internet of Things appliances. The core functions of AI chatbots were to provide personalized recommendations (20/23, 87%), motivational messages (18/23, 78%), gamification (6/23, 26%), and emotional support (6/23, 26%). Study participants who experienced speech- and augmented reality–based chatbot interactions in addition to text-based chatbot interactions reported higher user engagement because of the convenience of hands-free interactions. Enabling conversations through multiple platforms (eg, SMS text messaging, Slack, Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger) and devices (eg, laptops, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa) was reported to increase user engagement. The human semblance of chatbots through verbal and nonverbal cues improved user engagement through interactivity and empathy. Other techniques used in text-based chatbots included personally and culturally appropriate colloquial tones and content; emojis that emulate human emotional expressions; positively framed words; citations of credible information sources; personification; validation; and the provision of real-time, fast, and reliable recommendations. Prevailing issues included privacy; accountability; user burden; and interoperability with other databases, third-party applications, social media platforms, devices, and appliances.

Conclusions

AI chatbots should be designed to be human-like, personalized, contextualized, immersive, and enjoyable to enhance user experience, engagement, behavior change, and weight loss. These require the integration of health metrics (eg, based on self-reports and wearable trackers), personality and preferences (eg, based on goal achievements), circumstantial behaviors (eg, trigger-based overconsumption), and emotional states (eg, chatbot conversations and wearable stress detectors) to deliver personalized and effective recommendations for weight loss.

Obesity Pillars Roundtable: Obesity and South Asians

Background

Compared to other races/ethnicities, individuals from South Asia with obesity are strikingly susceptible to the presence of CVD risk factors and onset of CVD events - in part due to adiposopathic anatomic and metabolic responses to positive caloric balance. Pathogenic endocrine and immune effects of adipocyte hypertrophy and visceral fat accumulation both directly and indirectly promote among the most common metabolic diseases encountered in clinical practice - many being major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This is especially applicable to those from South Asia - largely due to genetics, epigenetics, unhealthful nutrition, and physical inactivity.

Methods

This roundtable discussion included 4 obesity specialists engaged in the clinical management of obesity among patients of South Asian descent.

Results

Patients with obesity from South Asia have increased adipocyte size, fewer (functional) adipocytes, and increased visceral adiposity accompanied by functional endocrine and immune abnormalities. This helps explain the increased CVD risk factors and increased CVD risk among this unique population. These CVD risk factors include increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (even at lower body mass index relative to other races), insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, increased lipoprotein (a), and adiposopathic dyslipidemia [(i.e., elevated triglyceride levels, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, increased low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle number, and increased prevalence of smaller and denser LDL particles].

Conclusion

The four panelists of this roundtable discussion describe their practical diagnostic processes and treatment plans for patients from South Asia, with an emphasis on a patient-centered approach to obesity in this unique population.

Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

The global obesity epidemic is well established, with increases in obesity prevalence for most countries since the 1980s. Obesity contributes directly to incident cardiovascular risk factors, including dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep disorders. Obesity also leads to the development of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease mortality independently of other cardiovascular risk factors. More recent data highlight abdominal obesity, as determined by waist circumference, as a cardiovascular disease risk marker that is independent of body mass index. There have also been significant advances in imaging modalities for characterizing body composition, including visceral adiposity. Studies that quantify fat depots, including ectopic fat, support excess visceral adiposity as an independent indicator of poor cardiovascular outcomes. Lifestyle modification and subsequent weight loss improve both metabolic syndrome and associated systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. However, clinical trials of medical weight loss have not demonstrated a reduction in coronary artery disease rates. In contrast, prospective studies comparing patients undergoing bariatric surgery with nonsurgical patients with obesity have shown reduced coronary artery disease risk with surgery. In this statement, we summarize the impact of obesity on the diagnosis, clinical management, and outcomes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, especially sudden cardiac death and atrial fibrillation. In particular, we examine the influence of obesity on noninvasive and invasive diagnostic procedures for coronary artery disease. Moreover, we review the impact of obesity on cardiac function and outcomes related to heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Finally, we describe the effects of lifestyle and surgical weight loss interventions on outcomes related to coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Stigma, Health and Well-Being

In order to understand the phenomenon of stigma in different populations (e.g., different ethnicities, different diseases, and different conditions), this Special Issue collects papers from around the world to illustrate the stigma phenomenon. After a rigorous process of peer review, a total of 24 papers were published and included in the Special Issue. These papers were contributed from different continents and countries, including the Americas (e.g., United States), Europe (e.g., Finland), and Asia (e.g., Saudi Arabia). Therefore, the diversity of ethnicity was ensured in the Special Issue. Moreover, these papers address different stigmatized populations/conditions (e.g., mental illness, obesity, public housing, homosexuality, and transgender). The most discussed populations were those with mental illness and those with obesity/overweight. However, additional evidence on the stigma topic is still needed. Specifically, future studies could consider the following directions to explore in depth the issues of stigma in different populations: (1) using longitudinal designs to understand the temporal or causal relationship between stigma and other related psychosocial factors; (2) designing treatment programs to fight stigma-this could be carried out in healthcare providers, healthcare trainees, the public, caregivers, and the stigmatized populations.