Reducing Weight Stigma to Improve Quality of Life
Author Information
Author(s): Ramsamy Guillaume, Mosbah Helena, Faure Jean Pierre, Plault Vanina, Albouy Marion, Esnard Catherine
Primary Institution: Département de psychologie, Université de Poitiers, Université François Rabelais de Tours, CNRS, Poitiers, France
Hypothesis
How can interventions effectively reduce the adverse effects of weight stigma on individuals' quality of life?
Conclusion
Cognitive-behavioral techniques are effective in reducing weight stigma and improving psychosocial outcomes for individuals with obesity.
Supporting Evidence
- Reduction in weight stigma was observed in 23 out of 24 studies analyzed.
- Cognitive-behavioral techniques were central to the interventions that showed positive outcomes.
- Interventions that included longer durations and participant involvement were more effective.
- Improvements in psychosocial determinants were noted, although the mechanisms remain unclear.
Takeaway
This study looked at different ways to help people feel better about themselves and their weight, showing that certain programs can really help reduce negative feelings about being overweight.
Methodology
A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing studies published from 1975 to 2024 that focused on interventions for individuals with obesity and weight stigma.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include small sample sizes, lack of control groups, and the predominance of female participants.
Limitations
The studies included were mostly of low to moderate quality, with small sample sizes and a lack of diversity in participant demographics.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly women over the age of 18, primarily from English-speaking countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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