Preventable Mediators That Influence Risk of Obesity and Eating Disorders

A nationally representative study in 2012 concluded that one-third of children in the United States were overweight or obese.   Additionally, The National Eating Disorder Association estimates that 30 million identified individuals suffer from eating disorders.  It is possible that preventable predictors influence both of these outcomes and may be intervened upon in the same fashion.

 Weight-based stigma and discrimination is extremely prevalent in the United States.  The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) suggests that people who are stigmatized by weight often devalue their social identity.  Individuals may be stigmatized not only by peers, but, family members, coworkers, strangers, doctors and other health care providers.

Research indicates that exposure to weight-based stigma results in stress, avoidance of physical activity, binge eating, obesity, emotional eating and weight loss. It is possible that research supporting weight loss as a result of weight stigma has actually measured dietary restraint. 

It is likely that those who rely on maladaptive methods of weight control have not accessed proper nutritional information; therefore cannot properly implement a balanced diet into their lives.  Additionally, individuals who binge eat, emotionally eat or actively restrain report performing these behaviors in solitude and also report higher levels of loneliness. It is evident that interventions must be designed to reform society in a way that reduces weight-based stigma and the negative outcomes from experiencing stigma.

As a preliminary investigation to address disordered eating risk factors, following weight-based stigma, a cross sectional analysis was conducted in which stress, social isolation and nutritional knowledge were the mediating factors. 200-250 undergraduate women (ages 18-30) from Utah State University are included in the study. 

Following a review of the analysis and the proposed model, an engaging prevention program that incorporates weight stigma reduction advocacy work will be proposed.  The program will be specifically designed to target incoming college students.  The program will help to rebuild university culture, and help students to develop close connections with others to prevent social isolation.  Students will also learn strategies to cope with stress and how to successfully implement nutrition education.  The program aims to prevent disordered eating behaviors in response to weight-based stigma amongst college students.