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Internalized Weight Stigma and Weight Discrimination: Associations with Quality of Life and Psychosocial Impairment in a Sample Living with Food Insecurity

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  • Sabrina E. Cuauro

    (Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
    Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA)

  • Natalia Santos

    (Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA)

  • Estefania Andrade

    (Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA)

  • Anoushka W. Dani

    (Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA)

  • Saivone N. Sanchious

    (Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
    Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA)

  • Savannah C. Hooper

    (Department of Psychological and Brain Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA)

  • Carolyn Black Becker

    (Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA)

Abstract

Research suggests that experiencing weight discrimination is associated with a lower quality of life and poor psychological and physical health. However, much of the existing weight discrimination literature has neglected under-represented groups. Little is known about how the experience of weight discrimination affects quality of life and eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment in those living with food insecurity. The present study investigated the associations of weight discrimination and eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment and quality of life. We examined internalized weight stigma and several psychological indicators as potential mediators. Participants ( N = 1085) who were recruited from a local food bank completed a questionnaire assessing food insecurity, weight discrimination, internalized weight stigma, eating disorder pathology, anxiety, depression, eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment, and quality of life. Overall, almost one in four participants reported experiencing weight discrimination. Our serial mediation models indicated that increased experiences of weight discrimination were associated with greater internalized weight stigma and psychopathology, which were in turn associated with lower quality of life and greater eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment. Thus, experiencing weight discrimination may negatively impact quality of life and eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment through its effect on mental health. It is imperative to address the negative effects of the widespread discrimination of people based on their weight.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabrina E. Cuauro & Natalia Santos & Estefania Andrade & Anoushka W. Dani & Saivone N. Sanchious & Savannah C. Hooper & Carolyn Black Becker, 2023. "Internalized Weight Stigma and Weight Discrimination: Associations with Quality of Life and Psychosocial Impairment in a Sample Living with Food Insecurity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(24), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:24:p:7147-:d:1294909
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kristen Cooksey Stowers & Nana Yaa A Marfo & Eminet Abebe Gurganus & Kim M Gans & Shiriki K Kumanyika & Marlene B Schwartz, 2020. "The hunger-obesity paradox: Exploring food banking system characteristics and obesity inequities among food-insecure pantry clients," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, October.
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