UK adults' implicit and explicit attitudes towards obesity: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Anti-fat attitudes may lead to stigmatisation of and lowered self-esteem in obese people. Examining anti-fat attitudes is warranted given that there is an association with anti-fat behaviours. Previous studies, mainly outside the UK, have demonstrated that anti-fat attitudes are increasing over time.


METHODS
The study was cross-sectional with a sample of 2380 participants (74.2 % female; aged 18-65 years). In an online survey participants reported demographic characteristics and completed a range of implicit and explicit measures of obesity related attitudes.


RESULTS
Perceptions of obesity were more negative than reported in previously. Main effects indicated more negative perceptions in males, younger respondents and more frequent exercisers. Attitudes about obesity differed in relation to weight category, and in general were more positive in obese than non-obese respondents.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to demonstrate anti-fat attitudes across different sections of the UK population. As such, this study provides the first indication of the prevalence of anti-fat attitudes in UK adults. Interventions to modify these attitudes could target specific groups of individuals with more negative perceptions as identified here. Future work would be useful that increases understanding of both implicit and explicit attitudes towards obesity.
Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK ; Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
Stuart W
SW
Flint
Leeds Beckett University, Room 103, Fairfax Hall, Headingly Campus, Leeds, LS6 3QS UK.
Joanne
J
Hudson
School of Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
David
D
Lavallee
Anti-fat attitudes; Implicit and explicit attitudes; Obesity