Weight stigma predicts reduced psychological wellbeing and weight gain among sexual minority men: A 12-month longitudinal cohort study using random intercept cross-lagged panel models

E Austen; S Griffiths

Journal article

Weight stigma predicts reduced psychological wellbeing and weight gain among sexual minority men: A 12-month longitudinal cohort study using random intercept cross-lagged panel models

E Austen, S Griffiths

Body Image | Published : 2022

DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.10.006

Abstract

Weight stigma among sexual minority men predicts negative health outcomes; however, existing research is cross-sectional. Therefore, we longitudinally examined the presence, strength, and direction of relationships between weight stigma and health outcomes in a multi-national cohort of 2953 sexual minority men (Mage = 37.70, SDage = 13.70). Participants reported their Body Mass Index (BMI), experiences of weight discrimination, internalized weight bias, and psychological quality of life at three time-points over 12 months (~August 2019–20). Analyses revealed feedback loops of internalized weight bias with BMI and psychological quality of life: over time, increases in internalized weight bias..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Emma Austen Author

Scott Griffiths Author

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Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council

Funding Acknowledgements

Emma Austen is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. Scott Griffiths receives funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (grant numbers: 1121538, 1179321, 1193738) , the World Anti-Doping Agency, and the University of Melbourne. We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.