AUTHOR=Sánchez Enric , Ciudin Andreea , Sánchez Ana , Gutiérrez-Medina Sonsoles , Valdés Nuria , Flores Lilliam , Marí-Sanchis Amelia , Goñi Fernando , Sánchez Marta , Nicolau Joana , Muñoz Concepción , Díaz-Trastoy Olaia , Cuatrecasas Guillem , Cañizares Silvia , Comas Marta , López-Cano Carolina , Lecube Albert TITLE=Assessment of obesity stigma and discrimination among Spanish subjects with a wide weight range: the OBESTIGMA study JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology VOLUME=14 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1209245 DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1209245 ISSN=1664-1078 ABSTRACT=Introduction

This study aims to assess the extent of rejection and instances of stigmatization linked to obesity within the Spanish population, encompassing a diverse spectrum of weights ranging from normal weight to morbid obesity. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the primary factors influencing these experiences and further examines the impact of bariatric surgery on such dynamics.

Materials and methods

Multicenter observational study with involving a total of 1,018 participants who were recruited from various Obesity Units. Negatives attitudes towards people with obesity were assessed through three questionnaires: (i) Antifat Attitudes Scale (AFA), (ii) Stigmatizing Situations Inventory (SSI) and (iii) Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS). Subjects were categorized into four groups based on their BMI and history of prior bariatric surgery.

Results

The cumulative score across all questionnaires (AFA, SSI and WBIS) exhibited a progressive increase, from participants with normal weight to those with obesity (p < 0.001 for all). Within the AFA questionnaire, males showed more rejection towards people with obesity than women, also perceiving obesity as a disease linked to a lack of willpower (p = 0.004 and p = 0.030, respectively). The overall SSI score was negatively associated with age (r = −0.080, p = 0.011), with young participants encountering more stigmatizing experiences than their adult counterparts. Neither employment status nor educational demonstrated a significant association with any of the questionnaires. Interestingly, patients who underwent lost weight following bariatric surgery did not exhibit improved outcomes.

Conclusion

Individuals with obesity demonstrate a heightened level of aversion towards the disease compared to those with normal weight. Concurrently, the incidence of stigmatizing encounters displays a concerning escalation among younger individuals.