The role of weight stigmatization in cumulative risk for binge eating

Abstract

Previous research supports a positive association between weight stigmatization experiences and binge eating. However, the extent to which weight stigmatization accounts for binge eating in the context of other risk factors requires further investigation. Using a cumulative risk model, we examine previously studied risk factors (environmental stress, psychological functioning, negative coping, body dissatisfaction) as well as weight stigmatization as predictors of binge eating bariatric patients and undergraduate students. Results show a unique contribution of weight stigmatization. Analyses by sample indicated that this was only the case for the undergraduate student sample. Results support weight stigmatization as a meaningful predictor of binge eating and highlight the need for further work investigating how these experiences work to promote eating pathology.

Eating Behaviors, Weight Bias, and Psychological Functioning in Multi-ethnic Low-income Adolescents

“…Supported by previous studies, our findings suggest the eating disorder group had the highest level of reported WB (Ackard et al, 2011;Almeida et al, 2011;Durso & Latner, 2008). It is interesting to note that those who did not report any disordered eating had higher levels of psychological distress than those reporting disordered eating.…”

“…Another study found a higher prevalence of WB among minorities, particularly African Americans . Conversely, Almeida, Savoy, and Boxer (2011) found lower rates of WB and binge eating risk factors among African Americans compared to their Caucasian and Latino counterparts. When examining eating disorders in a diverse low-income sample of college students, another research group found lower rates of eating disorders in African Americans and Caucasians compared to Latinos (Gentile, Raghavan, Rajah, & Gates, 2007).…”

Weighed Down by Stigma: How Weight‐Based Social Identity Threat Contributes to Weight Gain and Poor Health

“…Weight stigma is also related to more extreme reforms of dysregulated eating. For example, perceived weight-based discrimination and teasing are related to increased binge eating (Almeida, Savoy, & Boxer, 2011; Durso, Latner, & Hayashi, 2012; Haines, Neumark-Sztainer, Eisenberg, & Hannan, 2006). …”

Perceived Discrimination Is Associated with Binge Eating in a Community Sample of Non-Overweight, Overweight, and Obese Adults

“…Emerging research suggests that weight-based discrimination may be associated with binge eating among obese adults enrolled in behavioral weight loss programs [30] and adults seeking weight loss surgery [31]. Recently, it has been shown that, among a sample of college students, weight stigmatization experiences independently contributed to the prediction of binge eating behaviors above other risk factors for binge eating, such as negative coping strategies, body dissatisfaction, and perceived stress [32]. Interestingly, the increased risk for binge eating found among undergraduates was not seen among a sample of adult bariatric surgery patients who faced weight-based discrimination.…”