Examining associations among weight stigma, weight bias internalization, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder symptoms: Does weight status matter?. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Romano, Kelly A.; Heron, Kristin E.; Henson, James M.
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 37(2021)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Eating disorders -- Weight stigma -- Weight bias internalization -- Body Mass Index -- Body dissatisfaction; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.01.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: A weight stigma model for people across the weight spectrum was assessed. The assessed model was supported for individuals with different BMIs. Internalization and body concerns mediated weight stigma-eating pathology paths. These results extend existing weight stigma and disinhibited eating theories. Weight stigma programs should target weight bias internalization and body concerns. Abstract: The present study aimed to expand weight stigma theoretical models by accounting for central tenets of prominent eating disorder (ED) theories and increasing the generalizability of existing models for individuals across the weight spectrum. College students (Sample 1: N = 1228; Sample 2: N = 1368) completed online surveys assessing stigma and ED symptoms. In each sample, separately, multi-group path analyses tested whether body mass index (BMI) classification (underweight/average weight, overweight, obese) moderated a model wherein weight stigma experiences were sequentially associated with weight bias internalization, body dissatisfaction, and five ED symptoms: binge eating, purging, restricting, excessive exercise, muscle building behaviors. Results supported the assessed model overall and for individuals in each BMI class, separately. Although patterns of associations differed for individuals with different BMIs, these variations were limited. The present findings suggest that the adverse impact of weight stigma on distinct ED symptoms is not limited to individuals with elevated BMIs and that these associations are generally explained by the same mechanisms. Weight stigma interventions that focus on decreasing weight bias internalization and body dissatisfaction are recommended for individuals across the weight spectrum. Further examination of associations between weight stigma and multiple ED symptoms, beyond disinhibited eating, is supported.