What Is the Effect of Attributing Disordered Eating Behaviours to Food Addiction Versus Binge Eating Disorder? An...

Background/Objectives: Food addiction (FA) and binge eating disorder share many overlapping features. Many individuals with binge eating disorder experience stigma; however, less is known about the stigma associated with food addiction. The current study examined the weight-based stigma and mental illness stigma associated with attributing disordered eating behaviours to an FA diagnosis or binge eating disorder diagnosis. Methods: Undergraduate students (N = 177) were randomly assigned to read one of three vignettes (FA, binge eating disorder, or control), all of which described a character experiencing the overlapping features of FA and binge eating disorder; the vignettes differed only regarding the diagnosis to which the eating behaviours were attributed. Participants then completed questionnaires assessing their attitudes towards mental illness and obesity followed by questionnaires assessing their own eating behaviours. Results: There were no significant between-group differences in mental illness stigma or weight-based stigma. Significant differences in stigma were found based on the perceived gender of the vignette character and participants' own FA and binge eating disorder symptoms. Conclusions: Stigma may not differ based on the diagnosis ascribed to addictive-like eating behaviours. Women may be more stigmatized for addictive-like eating behaviours, and individuals who experience addictive-like eating may be more stigmatizing towards others with these behaviours.