Testing interoceptive dysfunction as a mediator of the relation between weight stigma and disordered eating

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Weight stigma is a known risk factor for disordered eating.
• Interoceptive dysfunction may mediate this association.
• Understanding this link is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate if interoceptive dysfunction mediates the relationship between weight stigma and disordered eating.
• To examine the effects of weight stigma exposure on disordered eating urges and behaviors.

Main Methods:

• College students (n=135) reporting binge eating symptoms were randomly assigned to a weight-stigmatizing or control condition.
• Gastric interoception was behaviorally and self-reportedly assessed.
• Ad-libitum test meal, body trust, and disordered eating urges were measured.

Main Results:

• Exposure to weight stigma did not increase binge eating or restriction urges.
• Weight stigma exposure was associated with reduced caloric consumption.
• Lower body trust and gastric interoception predicted higher binge eating and restriction intentions, irrespective of condition.

Conclusions:

• Weight stigma may lead to short-term restriction, potentially increasing later binge eating risk.
• Interoceptive awareness and body trust are critical targets for mitigating disordered eating.
• Clinicians should consider interoception assessments and weight-neutral approaches.