Long-term effects of an internalized weight stigma intervention: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Obesity Research
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Internalized weight stigma (IWS) is a significant barrier in obesity treatment.
• Behavioral weight loss (BWL) is a common treatment, but its long-term effectiveness can be limited.
• Psychological interventions may enhance BWL by addressing self-stigma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effects of a group-based psychological intervention (Weight Bias Internalization and Stigma Program - BIAS) combined with BWL.
• To compare the combined BWL + BIAS intervention against BWL alone in adults with obesity.
• To assess impacts on weight change, physical activity, cardiometabolic risk, and psychological outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with 105 adults with obesity (mean BMI 38 kg/m²).
• Intervention group received BWL + BIAS Program; control group received BWL alone.
• 20 weeks of weekly sessions followed by 52 weeks of less frequent sessions; primary outcome at Week 72.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in weight loss at Week 72 between BWL + BIAS (-7.2%) and BWL alone (-5.2%).
• BWL + BIAS group showed significantly greater improvements in weight self-stigma and eating self-efficacy.
• High treatment retention and acceptability, with higher ratings for the BWL + BIAS group.

Conclusions:

• The addition of the BIAS Program to BWL did not yield significant differences in long-term weight loss.
• Addressing weight stigma may offer psychological and behavioral benefits within weight management programs.
• Further research is warranted to explore the potential of stigma-focused interventions in obesity treatment.