Self-stigma and weight loss: The impact of fear of being stigmatized. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lillis, Jason; Thomas, John G; Levin, Michael E; Wing, Rena R
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 25:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 922
• Page End: 930
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: obesity -- overweight -- stigma -- stigmatization -- weight loss; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105317739101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

This study sought to examine whether two facets of weight self-stigma (fear of enacted stigma and self-devaluation) were associated with weight change and treatment engagement for 188 individuals participating in a 3-month online weight loss program. Fear of enacted stigma predicted less weight loss 3 months later after controlling for demographics, eating problems, and psychological symptoms. Self-devaluation did not predict weight loss. Neither weight self-stigma variable predicted engagement in the online program. These results add to the literature indicating the negative effects of weight self-stigma while highlighting the central role of fear of being stigmatized by others in this process.