Impact of Weight-Related Discrimination, Body Dissatisfaction and Self-Stigma on the Desire to Weigh Less

Abstract

Aim: Currently, health care professionals plead for stabilization of weight and improving health conditions rather than focusing on weight loss only. Individuals with obesity have been shown to report weight loss goals that are much higher than what has been suggested by guidelines. The aim was to determine whether weight discrimination and body dissatisfaction have an impact on how much weight an individual with obesity wants to lose.

Methods: In this representative telephone survey, 878 participants with obesity were asked about their experiences with weight stigma, their body image concerns, and about the amount of weight they would like to weigh using random digital dialing and Kish selection grid to ensure random selection of participants.

Results: Regression analysis reveals that being female, having a higher BMI, being younger, and trying to lose weight was related to a greater discrepancy between current weight and desired weight. The discrepancy between current weight and desired weight was greater when participants reported discrimination due to their weight as well as internalized stigma and body image concerns.

Conclusion: Independent on the weight loss method, treating obesity should include realistic weight loss goals without being affected by social pressure or weight stigma, especially since stigma can result in further weight gain and decline health issues related to obesity and overweight.

Keywords: Body dissatisfaction; Desired weight; Obesity; Stigma; Weight loss goals.

Fig. 1

Detailed analysis of the response rate of the telephone interview. Note: Refusal: participant verbally refuses to give the interview or does not want to take part; Dropout: participant drops out during the interview; Answering machine: automatic machinery response; Non-contact: participant does not answer the phone despite free line signal.