Self-stigma and weight loss: The impact of fear of being stigmatized

Authors

Jason Lillis, Brown University
J. G. Thomas, Brown University
Michael E. Levin, Utah State UniversityFollow
R. R. Wing, Brown University

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Health Psychology

Publisher

SAGE Publications Ltd

Publication Date

10-16-2017

Award Number

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases K23DK097143

Funder

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

First Page

1

Last Page

17

Abstract

The current study sought to examine whether two facets of weight self-stigma (fear of enacted stigma and self-devaluation) were associated with weight change and treatment engagement for 188 individuals participating in a 3-month online weight loss program. Fear of enacted stigma predicted less weight loss 3-months later after controlling for demographics, eating problems, and psychological symptoms. Self-devaluation did not predict weight loss. Neither weight self-stigma variable predicted engagement in the online program. These results add to the literature indicating the negative effects of weight self-stigma while highlighting the central role of fear of being stigmatized by others in this process.

Recommended Citation

Lillis, Jason; Thomas, J. G.; Levin, Michael E.; and Wing, R. R., "Self-stigma and weight loss: The impact of fear of being stigmatized" (2017). Psychology Faculty Publications. Paper 1560.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/psych_facpub/1560