Associations of weight stigma with cortisol and oxidative stress independent of adiposity.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Weight discrimination is associated with increased risk of obesity. The mechanism of this relationship is unknown, but being overweight is a highly stigmatized condition and may be a source of chronic stress that contributes to the development and pathophysiology of obesity. The objective of this study was to test whether weight stigma is associated with physiological risk factors linked to stress and obesity, including hypercortisolism and oxidative stress, independent of adiposity.

Method

We examined the frequency of experiencing situations involving weight stigma and consciousness of weight stigma in relation to hypothalamic--pituitary--adrenal axis activity and oxidative stress (F₂-isoprostanes) in 45 healthy overweight to obese women.

Results

Independen

SUBMITTER: Tomiyama AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4677673 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature