Internalizing Weight Stigma: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Considerations in US Adults

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the presence, severity, and sociodemographic correlates of weight bias internalization (WBI) across three distinct samples of US adults.

Levels of WBI were compared in (1) a sample of adults with obesity and heightened risk of weight stigma (N = 456), (2) an online community sample (N = 519), and (3) a national online panel (N = 2,529). Samples 2 and 3 comprised adults with and without obesity. Participants completed identical self-report measures, including demographic variables and weight-related factors, to determine their relationship with low, mean, and high levels of WBI.

At least 44% of adults across samples endorsed mean levels of WBI (as determined by sample 3). The highest levels of WBI were endorsed by approximately one in five adults in the general population samples and by 52% in the sample of adults with obesity. Individuals with the highest WBI were white, had less education and income, were currently trying to lose weight, and had higher BMIs, higher self-perceived weight, and previous experiences of weight stigma (especially teasing).

Internalized weight bias is prevalent among women and men and across body weight categories. Findings provide a foundation to better understand characteristics of individuals who are at risk for internalizing weight bias.