Dataset Information

A randomized study of effects of obesity framing on weight stigma.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Growing evidence suggests highly processed foods may trigger an addictive-like process, which is associated with obesity. Other research suggests an addictive-like process occurs in response to eating itself, rather than specific foods. Addiction-based obesity explanations raise concerns about double stigmatization of people with obesity and addiction. This study compared effects of obesity framings on external and internalized weight stigma.

Methods

The study was preregistered via Open Science Framework. Four hundred and forty-seven adults read an informational passage that described food addiction, eating addiction, or calorie balance explanations for obesity or a control passage about memory. Participants then completed external and internalized weight stigma measures.

Results

Participants in the food addiction condition reported higher internalized weight stigma compared with those in the control condition. Obesity framing did not significantly affect external weight stigma compared with the control.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that food addiction explanations for obesity may elicit greater internalized weight stigma than non-obesity-related messages. Addiction-based and traditional obesity explanations do not appear to influence external weight stigma. Illuminating the effects of obesity framing on stigma will help researchers communicate discoveries in ways that mitigate stigma.

SUBMITTER: Parnarouskis L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10826923 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

A randomized study of effects of obesity framing on weight stigma.

Parnarouskis Lindsey L Jouppi Riley J RJ Cummings Jenna R JR Gearhardt Ashley N AN

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) 20210825 10

<h4>Objective</h4>Growing evidence suggests highly processed foods may trigger an addictive-like process, which is associated with obesity. Other research suggests an addictive-like process occurs in response to eating itself, rather than specific foods. Addiction-based obesity explanations raise concerns about double stigmatization of people with obesity and addiction. This study compared effects of obesity framings on external and internalized weight stigma.<h4>Methods</h4>The study was prereg ...[more]

PMID: 34431611

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Project description:BackgroundAfter a literature review and interviews with patients living with obesity, key psychosocial determinants such as coping strategies, weight bias internalization, body dissatisfaction and self-efficacy were identified as critical to address obesity-related stigma. The intervention was tailored using evidence-based techniques and input from health professionals to ensure relevance and avoid redundancy. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effect of an intervention specifically designed to address weight stigma among individuals living with obesity.MethodsThe study compares two parallel arms following different interventions: Patient Education as Usual (PEU) program and the newly developed Patient Education STEREOBES (PES) program, which integrates additional components to counteract weight stigma. The PES program, crafted using the Intervention Mapping process, addresses key psychosocial determinants such as self-efficacy, body image, and coping strategies. It incorporates workshops focused on psychoeducation, physical activity, and emotional regulation through innovative techniques like mindfulness, assertiveness training, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The program emphasizes group activities and patient interaction to foster resilience against stigmatizing experiences and promote healthier lifestyle choices. This comprehensive intervention is designed to improve psychological, behavioral, and physical outcomes, particularly by reducing the internalization of weight bias and enhancing coping mechanisms.DiscussionPatients in the PES arm should demonstrate significant improvements in quality of life and self-efficacy compared to the PEU arm. Psychosocial factors should mediate the effect of the intervention on the outcomes involving quality of life and behaviors. This study will provide valuable insights into the role of weight stigma in obesity treatment and the effectiveness of targeted interventions.Trial registrationThis research protocol has been approved by the Individual Protection Committee Northwest IV (National n°2023-A00327-38) and registered on Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT05906238) on June 7, 2023.

Dataset Information

A randomized study of effects of obesity framing on weight stigma.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

A randomized study of effects of obesity framing on weight stigma.

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