The Correlation of Weight Self-Stigma and Social Appearance Anxiety in People with Obesity: Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Obese individuals are exposed to stigma and social appearance anxiety. Internalized weight stigma negatively affects mood, self-esteem, body image in obese individuals. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation of weight self-stigma and social appearance anxiety in people with obesity. Material and Methods: The sample size of the study, which was conducted as a relational descriptor, consisted of 224 patients. ''Descriptive characteristics form'', ''Internalized Weight Bias Scale'' and ''Social Appearance Anxiety Scale'' were used as data collection tools in the research. Results: It was determined that there was a statistically strong positive correlation between internalized weight stigma and social appearance anxiety of obese individuals participating in the study (p: 0.001). In addition, it was determined that internalized weight stigma had statistical significance in explaining social appearance anxiety in obese individuals and predicted it at a rate of 67% (p: 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the scale total score average in the study, it was found that the internalized weight stigma/bias and social appearance anxiety of obese individuals were high. Since increasing the awareness of obese individuals on this issue will reduce internalized weight stigma, awareness-based interventions can be applied to this population. In addition, training can be provided to increase communication skills in order to keep obese individuals away from social appearance anxiety. Expert support can be provided to obese individuals with high social appearance anxiety.