Author: Jonathon Whipps

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 117

ISBN-13:

Consequences of obesity can be both physiological and psychological. Persons with obesity are more likely suffer from increased psychosocial burden due to their weight, and obesity has documented associations with depression, anxiety, quality of life, and suicidality. As a result of experienced weight discrimination, individuals with overweight or obesity may apply negative weight-based stereotypes to themselves, leading to the development of internalized weight stigma. Internalization of weight stigma, also called weight self-stigma or internalized weight bias, has been implicated in affecting physiological and behavioral aspects linked to poor metabolic health and excess weight gain. Weight stigma has been identified as a novel contributor to the perpetuation of obesity, with some calling weight-related stigma a driving force behind the obesity epidemic. While weight status is a primary indicator for weight stigma internalization, self-perception of elevated weight is also a risk factor. Sexual and gender minority populations, specifically those who are emerging adults, may be at particular risk for health detriments associated with weight-related behaviors, including risk for internalized weight stigma. The current dissertation explored three topics of health related to sexual and gender minority populations: sexual and gender minority identification as a risk factor for weight stigma development, the role of weight-related behaviors and stigma in the achievement of physical activity recommendations, and the relationship between sleep quality, weight stigma, and outcomes of mental health. Findings from this work consistently demonstrated health disparities are present within sexual and gender minority student communities: identification as a sexual or gender minority predicted higher overall weight stigma, with LGBTQ+ showing higher rates of disordered eating across all studies. Students have alarmingly low levels of physical activity and sleep quality, with exercise self-efficacy and resistance-based training being identified as potential targets for interventions aiming to improve physical activity among this population. Students with low sleep quality showed higher rates of depression, stress, and anxiety, with all measures of mental health showing high positive correlation with increased internalized weigh stigma. Interestingly, low sleep quality was found to be related to increased scores of internalized weight stigma, a novel finding. This work helps identify targets for future research and targeted interventions, and clinicians can use the information gained from this study when working with patients aiming to improve weight status or general health and well-being.