Weight-related teasing and internalized weight stigma predict abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours in Emirati female university students

Appetite
Lily O'HaraJustin Thomas

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.

Citations

Feb 1, 2017·Eating Disorders·Hellas CenaMadhusmita Misra
May 11, 2016·Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD·Mahdieh Abbasalizad FarhangiLeila Jahangiry
Jan 13, 2017·Obesity·Angela MeadowsCaitlin O'Reilly
Mar 30, 2017·Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD·Justin ThomasSophia Christin Weissgerber
Mar 10, 2020·Health Promotion International·Claire BristowTristan Snell
May 9, 2019·Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD·Brent Larison, Mary Pritchard
Mar 29, 2020·European Eating Disorders Review : the Journal of the Eating Disorders Association·Aoife-Marie ForanOrla T Muldoon
Dec 10, 2020·Journal of Eating Disorders·Bernou MelisseEric F van Furth

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