Using inquiry based stress reduction to address self-stigma in severe spectrum obesity in general practice

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Research
• Obesity Management
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for multiple chronic diseases (multimorbidity).
• Addressing obesity-related stigma and self-stigma is crucial for effective clinical solutions in primary care.
• Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR), also known as The Work of Byron Katie, is an emerging technique for managing self-stigma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) for individuals with severe obesity in a general practice (GP) setting.
• To explore the impact of IBSR on obesity self-stigma within a multidisciplinary primary care framework.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method pilot study was conducted with individuals experiencing severe obesity in a general practice.
• Intervention involved IBSR delivered in group, partner, and individual formats, primarily online, by accredited facilitators, a clinical psychologist, and GPs.
• Outcomes were measured using pre- and post-intervention surveys (including depression, quality of life, and weight bias scales) and qualitative participant data.

Main Results:

• 10 out of 14 participants completed the IBSR intervention (mean BMI 42.8, mean age 49).
• Participants frequently attributed their obesity to personal fault and reported negative healthcare interactions, highlighting the impact of stigma.
• Despite significant comorbidities, participants prioritized concerns about stigma and self-stigma over their physical health conditions.

Conclusions:

• The pilot study indicates that IBSR is a feasible and acceptable approach for addressing obesity self-stigma in primary care.
• Findings support the planning of a larger, multi-practice study to further investigate the efficacy of IBSR in this population.