P141 A Mixed Methods Analysis Examining Differential Patterns of Long-Term Distress From Weight Stigma

Abstract

Background As many as 40% of adults have experienced weight stigma, yet little is known about why some individuals are more distressed by weight stigma than others. Qualitative research is limited in this field but may help inform this understudied question. Objective Using a mixed method design, we compared individuals who described lasting impacts from prior experiences of weight stigma to individuals who expressed no longer being distressed by these experiences. We assessed how these groups differ in weight bias internalization and other health indices. Study Design, Settings, Participants Participants (n = 425) were part of a larger study of adults enrolled in a commercial weight management program. Participants completed online self-report questionnaires and an open-ended question asking them to share their experiences with weight stigma. Study analyses focused on participants whose open-ended responses were coded as having either a lasting impact from weight stigma (n = 247) or no longer feeling distressed by weight stigma (n = 178). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Linear regressions examined the associations between group membership (i.e. belonging to the ‘lasting impact’ group in reference to the ‘no longer distressed’ group) and internalized weight bias, perceived stress, and mental as well as physical health. Results Belonging to the ‘lasting impact’ group was associated with greater internalized weight bias (P Conclusion Weight bias internalization may play a contributing role to the lasting impact that people experience from weight stigma. Longitudinal research is needed to examine these relationships over time. Funding Weight Watchers.