What is internalised weight bias in the Mumbai study?

It's when patients adopt negative stereotypes about body weight and apply them to themselves, leading to self-blame and shame.

Who is most affected by internalised weight bias in the study?

Younger individuals and those with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) showed higher levels of internalised weight bias.

How does weight bias affect health-seeking behavior in India?

Internalised stigma can act as a barrier, making patients feel undeserving of care and less motivated to adhere to treatment.

Home / Health / India Study: Weight Shame Deepens Mental Distress

India Study: Weight Shame Deepens Mental Distress

16 Dec

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Summary

High internalised weight bias found in Indian bariatric surgery patients.
Younger patients and higher BMI correlate with greater bias and anxiety.
Weight stigma impacts mental health, social life, and treatment adherence.

India Study: Weight Shame Deepens Mental Distress

A recent study in Mumbai highlights the extensive internalised weight bias affecting individuals with obesity who are candidates for metabolic and bariatric surgery. This bias, where individuals internalize negative stereotypes about their weight, leads to significant self-blame and shame. The research, published in Obesity Surgery, involved 142 patients, with 71.1% exhibiting high levels of this internalised bias.

Findings indicate that younger participants and those with higher BMIs reported increased anxiety and perceived judgment. Emotional distress was widespread, with a large majority experiencing depression related to their weight, impacting self-worth and social confidence. This internalised stigma, often beginning in childhood and exacerbated by societal and media pressures, can delay crucial medical treatment.