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Discrimination and Stigma Associated with Obesity: A Comparative Study between Spain and Egypt - Data from the
Enric Sánchez1, Noha M Elghazally2, Rania M El-Sallamy2
1Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Obesity Unit, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (ODIM) Research Group, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
Obesity Facts
|August 8, 2024
Summary
Obesity stigma varies significantly across cultures. Egyptians showed higher anti-fat attitudes, while Spaniards experienced more weight bias internalization and stigmatizing situations, highlighting the need for culturally tailored interventions.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Obesity-related discrimination and stigmatization remain under-investigated globally.
- Cross-cultural comparisons of weight stigma experiences are essential for understanding diverse societal attitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare obesity-related discrimination and stigmatization between Spain (Europe) and Egypt (Middle East).
- To analyze cultural differences in attitudes toward obesity, weight bias internalization, and experiences of stigma.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study involving 2,090 participants from Spain and Egypt.
- Utilized the Antifat Attitudes Scale (AFA), Stigmatizing Situations Inventory (SSI), and Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS).
- Participants were grouped by body mass index (BMI) and bariatric surgery history.
Main Results:
- Egyptian participants exhibited significantly higher aversion toward obesity (higher AFA scores) than Spanish participants.
- Spanish participants reported greater weight bias internalization with increasing BMI, whereas Egyptians showed a negative association.
- Egypt was an independent risk factor for higher AFA and weight bias internalization scores; Spaniards reported more stigmatizing situations.
Conclusions:
- Obesity-related attitudes and stigma are complex and culturally diverse.
- Understanding cultural nuances is critical for developing effective, culturally sensitive anti-stigma strategies.
- This research provides a foundation for culturally tailored interventions addressing weight stigma.
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