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Weight bias among Canadians: Associations with sociodemographics, BMI and body image constructs

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  • Côté, Marilou
  • Forouhar, Vida
  • Edache, Iyoma Y.
  • Alberga, Angela S.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the associations between sociodemographic characteristics, BMI, and body image constructs (body satisfaction and weight bias internalization; WBI) and explicit weight bias. A near-representative sample of 995 English-speaking Canadian adults (52% Female) completed a survey which assessed explicit weight bias (Anti-Fat Attitudes questionnaire), body satisfaction (Body Shape Satisfaction Scale), WBI (Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale), and self-reported height and weight. Multiple linear regression analyses were run. Results showed that the variable that explained the most variance in explicit weight bias was WBI, followed by BMI. Higher levels of WBI and a lower BMI were both significantly associated with greater explicit weight bias. Male sex was associated with both disliking people with obesity and thinking obesity is attributable to lack of willpower, whereas female sex was associated with worrying about weight gain. The current findings emphasize the importance of future research efforts aimed at preventing or mitigating WBI to reduce negative attitudes about people with obesity.

Suggested Citation

  • Côté, Marilou & Forouhar, Vida & Edache, Iyoma Y. & Alberga, Angela S., 2024. "Weight bias among Canadians: Associations with sociodemographics, BMI and body image constructs," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 354(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:354:y:2024:i:c:s0277953624005148
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117061
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tae Jun Kim & Anna Christin Makowski & Olaf von dem Knesebeck, 2019. "Obesity stigma in Germany and the United States – Results of population surveys," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(8), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Jessica M Alleva & Paschal Sheeran & Thomas L Webb & Carolien Martijn & Eleanor Miles, 2015. "A Meta-Analytic Review of Stand-Alone Interventions to Improve Body Image," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(9), pages 1-32, September.
    3. Elran-Barak, Roni & Bar-Anan, Yoav, 2018. "Implicit and explicit anti-fat bias: The role of weight-related attitudes and beliefs," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 117-124.
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