Exploring the Relationship Between BMI and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Pilot Study of the Impact of Weight Self- Stigma and Experiential avoidance

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Health Psychology

Volume

16

Issue

2

Publication Date

7-8-2005

First Page

498

Last Page

506

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) has been shown to deteriorate as body mass index (BMI) increases. Recent research suggests weight stigma and experiential avoidance may partially account for the relationship between BMI and HRQL. Eighty-seven adults recruited from a weight-loss clinic completed an intake assessment, which consisted of physical measurement taking and completion of self-report measures. Experiential avoidance and weight self-stigma were significant predictors of HRQL and mediated the relationship between BMI and HRQL. Results provide preliminary support for targeting weight stigma and experiential avoidance in order to produce changes in HRQL with or without concurrent weight loss.

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