Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity· 2026Q2
Internalized weight stigma and associated clinical features in treatment-seeking adults with obesity: a multicenter Italian study
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- Q2SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Nearly half (48.2%) of 438 adults seeking obesity treatment in Italy reported high internalized weight stigma, measured by a WBIS score ≥4.
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Key points
- 48.2% of 438 treatment-seeking adults with obesity in Italy reported high internalized weight stigma (WBIS score ≥4).
- Higher internalized weight stigma was associated with female sex, greater eating disorder psychopathology (EDE-Q), general psychopathology (BSI), and lower mental quality of life (SF-36).
- Internalized weight stigma was not associated with BMI or consistently with cardiometabolic parameters.
- Age, eating disorder psychopathology, and mental quality of life were independent predictors of internalized weight stigma.
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Abstract
Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical correlates of internalized weight stigma in patients with obesity seeking treatment in various clinical centers across Italy. Methods A total of 438 patients with obesity were included. Patients completed a baseline clinical interview and the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) to evaluate the internalized weight stigma. Moreover, they completed the following self-report instruments: Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess eating disorder psychopathology, general psychopathology, and quality of life, respectively. Results High internalized weight stigma, defined as a WBIS score ≥4, was observed in 211 participants (48.2%). WBIS scores were significantly higher in female patients and were negatively associated with age and the SF-36 mental component score. WBIS scores were positively associated with eating disorder psychopathology, general psychopathology, and 12-month weight-loss expectations, but were not associated with BMI and showed no consistent association with cardiometabolic parameters. In multivariable linear regression, age, EDE-Q global score, and SF-36 mental component score were independently associated with WBIS scores. Conclusions Internalized weight stigma emerged as a common and clinically relevant feature among patients seeking treatment for obesity, showing strong associations with psychological distress and impaired mental well-being independent of body mass index. The findings underscore the importance of systematically assessing internalized weight stigma and addressing it through tailored psychological strategies within multidisciplinary obesity care.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Pharmacy
PharmacyHealth Professions