Self-reported stigmatization among candidates for bariatric surgery.
The popularity of bariatric surgery has increased the focus on the psychological aspects of extreme obesity. Although a growing literature has documented the psychosocial burden associated with extreme obesity, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the experience of weight-related stigmatization among extremely obese individuals. The present study investigated self-reported experiences of weight-related stigmatization, weight-related quality of life, and depressive symptoms among 117 extremely obese individuals (BMI = 48.2 +/- 7.5 kg/m2) who presented for bariatric surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. In general, these individuals reported infrequent weight-related stigma, which was unrelated to BMI. Some specific forms of stigmatization, however, appear to be related to body size. The occurrence of stigmatization was associated with poorer weight-related quality of life and greater symptoms of depression.
Sarwer
David B
DB
Department of Psychiatry, Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. dsarwer@mail.med.upenn.edu
Fabricatore
Anthony N
AN
Eisenberg
Miriam H
MH
Sywulak
Laura A
LA
Wadden
Thomas A
TA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D015143:Philadelphia; D011287:Prejudice; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult