title: Weight-related teasing and internalized weight stigma predict abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours in Emirati female university students.
abstract: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between abnormal eating attitudes, weight teasing, internalized weight stigma and self-esteem in the United Arab Emirates in a sample of 420 female Emirati undergraduate students (mean age = 23.12 years). Participants completed an online survey including validated and reliable measures. Regression and mediation analyses were used to test for relationships between the factors. Thirty percent of respondents had eating disorder symptomatology, and 44% of respondents reported being frequently teased about their weight. Eating disorder symptomatology was positively correlated with being bothered by teasing from family, friends and others, and internalized weight stigma. Weight- and body-related shame and guilt was the strongest predictor of eating disorder symptomatology. Public health authorities should consider these issues as priorities for action in order to improve the health and wellbeing of young women in the UAE. In addition, it is vital that public health and medical services do not inadvertently condone weight-based teasing or enhance weight stigma and shame.
authors.affiliation: Emirates College of Advanced Education, P.O. Box 126662, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Electronic address: lilyohara@ecae.ae.ae.
authors.forename: Lily
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: O'Hara
authors.affiliation: American University of Sharjah, University City, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Electronic address: stahboubschulte@aus.edu.
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tahboub-Schulte
authors.affiliation: Zayed University, P.O. Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Electronic address: Justin.Thomas@zu.ac.ae.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D000068959:Body Weight Maintenance; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006963:Hyperphagia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D000075282:Incivility; D020407:Internet; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012306:Risk; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D014479:United Arab Emirates / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Disordered eating; Eating disorders; Female; Teasing; United Arab Emirates; Weight stigma