The relationship between internalized weight stigma and acceptance of weight-loss treatment resources

This study investigated relationships of internalized weight stigma (IWS) with acceptance of weight-loss treatment resources and weight-loss treatment preferences. Adults with obesity (N = 157) reported on IWS, weight-loss desire, eating self-efficacy (ESE), and treatment preferences. Participants expressing weight-loss desire were offered weight-loss treatment resources and asked to accept/decline them. Binary logistic regression examined whether IWS was associated with accepting weight-loss treatment resources, and ESE as a moderator. Exploratory analyses tested associations between IWS and treatment preferences. Participants with higher (vs lower) IWS had significantly higher odds of accepting weight-loss treatment resources (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: [1.12-2.05]). ESE did not moderate this relationship. In exploratory analyses, higher IWS was associated with greater interest in psychological intervention for IWS combined with weight-loss treatment. IWS was not associated with most preferences (e.g. group vs individual or in-person vs video sessions) when accounting for weight-loss desire. Further research should clarify how IWS affects treatment acceptance.