Characterising first, recent and worst experiences of weight stigma in a clinical sample of adults with high body weight and high internalised stigma.

Abstract

This research aimed to systematically characterise experiences of weight stigma and their impacts among weight-loss treatment-seeking adults with high body weight and high levels of internalised weight stigma. Participants recruited for two clinical trials completed a semi-structured interview about weight stigma (Study 1 n = 84, M_age = 47.8 ± 11.2 years, 83.3% women, 67.9% Black; Study 2 n = 129, M_age = 50.0 ± 12.2 years, 88.4% women, 65.1% White). Study 1 focused on first and most recent experiences of weight-based teasing, bullying, discrimination and unfair treatment, and Study 2 focused on the worst examples of these experiences; participants in both studies also identified their overall worst experiences. Participants reported the age at which the experiences occurred and rated (1-5) how upsetting they were. Interview responses were coded for interpersonal sources of weight stigma and impacts of these experiences. Across studies, weight teasing was the most commonly reported experience of weight stigma and the most frequently identified worst experience. Family members were the most commonly identified interpersonal source of weight stigma. Weight stigma experiences were reported across the lifespan and were predominantly described as having negative emotional impacts. Findings provide insights into the types and characteristics of weight stigma experiences that may contribute to the internalisation of this stigma and other adverse consequences.