The Effect of Weight Self-Stigma on Social Appearance Anxiety in People With Obesity

Abstract

Background Obese individuals are exposed to stigma and social appearance anxiety. Internalized weight stigma negatively affects mood, self-esteem, body image in obese individuals. Aims The aim of this study is to determine the effect of internalized weight stigma on social appearance anxiety in obese individuals. Methods The sample size of the study, which was conducted as a relational descriptor, consisted of 224 patients. "Descriptive Characteristics Form", "Internalized Weight Bias Scale" and "Social Appearance Anxiety Scale Adolescent Form" were used as data collection tools in the research. Results It was determined that there was a statistically strong positive correlation between internalized weight stigma and social appearance anxiety of obese individuals participating in the study (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that internalized weight stigma had statistical significance in explaining social appearance anxiety in obese individuals and predicted it at a rate of 67% (p < 0.05). Conclusions Considering the scale total score average in the study, it was found that the internalized weight stigma/bias and social appearance anxiety of obese individuals were high.