Weight self-stigma and weight loss during behavioural weight loss intervention: Self-stigma and weight loss

Objective: Despite the myriad negative effects of weight self-stigma, its role in weight loss intervention has not been thoroughly examined. The aim of this study was to examine the association between weight self-stigma and weight loss. Methods: This longitudinal study examined the association between weight loss and changes in self-stigma, assessed by the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, which distinguished between self-devaluation and fear of enacted stigma. Participants were adults with overweight or obesity enrolled in a 24-month weight loss intervention trial (groups were collapsed for this post hoc analysis) who were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Results: Baseline levels of self-stigma were not associated with weight loss outcomes. However, mixed models analysis showed that reductions in one aspect of weight self-stigma, self-devaluation, was associated with greater weight loss (p = 0.01). Cross products mediation analysis showed that increases in use of weight control strategies mediated the association between reductions in self-devaluation and greater weight loss (F = 14.86, p < 0.001; CI 0.09-0.37). Conclusions: Results suggest that there may be potential for incorporating intervention methods targeting the reduction of self-stigma in order to improve weight loss outcomes.