Weight stigma facilitates unhealthy eating and weight gain via fear of fat.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Across two studies, we examine if the relationships between perceived weight stigma, maladaptive eating behaviors (Study 1 & 2) and weight gain (Study 2) are mediated by fear of fat (FOF).

Method

In Study 1, 189 participants completed measures of eating behavior (e.g., emotional and restrained eating), FOF, perceived weight stigma and height and weight. In Study 2, a longitudinal design, participants reported their perceived weight stigma, FOF and had their height and weight measured; they then returned 10 weeks later to complete measures of eating behaviors (e.g., flexible restraint, ridged restraint, and emotional eating) and height and weight. We examined the predictive value of weight stigma at session 1 on eating behavior and weight gain at session 2. Further,

SUBMITTER: Wellman JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6132275 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature