Exploring Effects of Food Shaming on Consumers’ Food-Related Attitudes and Behaviors

Abstract

Objective To compare attitudes and behaviors of American adults who have experienced food shaming versus those who have not. Design This was an online survey of 2003 US adults, followed by an additional 5 one-on-one in-depth interviews, for a total of 2008. Data were collected between September and November 2022. Participants US adults (n = 2008) recruited via commercial research panels. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of food shaming, and attitudes and behaviors among adults who have experienced food shaming versus those who have not. Analysis χ 2 and analysis of covariance investigating associations between experience with food shaming and food-related attitudes and behaviors, controlling for body mass index where possible. Results Nearly 3 in 10 American adults report that they have experienced food shame. Experiencing food shame correlates with higher guilt and shame, greater likelihood to engage in regimented eating, and more prevalent, as well as negative, emotions around food and imagined interactions with food and nutrition professionals. Conclusions and Implications Food shaming is a phenomenon with wide-reaching impacts on attitudes and behaviors. We expect that this innovative study will inform registered dietitian nutritionists and other health professionals to help people develop healthy, sustainable relationships with food.