Characterizing genetic determinism about body weight: An exploratory study

Genetic determinism, the belief that genetic factors are the major determinant of a trait, shapes attitudes about body weight. This study explores deterministic beliefs, evaluates potential predictors, and examines associations with weight-related psychosocial outcomes. Data were collected through an online survey of 678 U.S. adults. Items assessed genetic determinism about body weight, demographics, causal attributions for weight, and weight stigma-associated attitudes. Endorsement of genetic determinism was relatively uncommon, with 21% of participants agreeing to some extent with deterministic statements on average. Deterministic attitudes were positively correlated with genetic and environmental attributions for weight and negatively correlated with dietary and physical activity attributions. Predictors included political orientation and an interaction where parents of more children had more deterministic attitudes at higher body weights. Findings highlight nuanced ways genetic determinism beliefs associate with body weight attitudes, suggesting the need for further research into mechanisms and implications for stigma reduction and health behavior.