Rebecca L Pearl1, Thomas A Wadden1, Caroline Bach1, Jena S Tronieri1, Robert I Berkowitz1,2. 1. Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the 6-month nonintervention follow-up effects of a cognitive behavioral intervention for weight bias internalization (WBI; i.e., self-stigma) combined with behavioral weight loss (BWL). METHODS:Adults with obesity and elevated WBI were previously randomized to receive BWL alone or in combination with the Weight Bias Internalization and Stigma program (BWL + BIAS). Participants attended weekly group meetings for 12 weeks, followed by two biweekly and two monthly meetings (26 weeks total). Follow-up assessments were conducted at week 52. Changes on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale and Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire at week 52 were the principal outcomes. Other outcomes included changes in eating, coping, and weight. RESULTS: Of 72 randomized participants, 54 (75%) completed week 52 assessments. Linear mixed models showed improvements across groups, but no significant differences between groups, in week 52 change on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (P = 0.25) or Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (P = 0.27). BWL + BIAS participants reported significantly greater benefits than BWL participants on measures of eating and affective coping with weight stigma. Percent weight loss at week 52 did not differ significantly between groups (BWL + BIAS = -3.1% [SE 1.0%], BWL = -4.0% [SE 1.0%], P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS:Reductions in WBI did not differ between groups at 6-month follow-up. Further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of a stigma-reduction intervention beyond BWL.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the 6-month nonintervention follow-up effects of a cognitive behavioral intervention for weight bias internalization (WBI; i.e., self-stigma) combined with behavioral weight loss (BWL). METHODS: Adults with obesity and elevated WBI were previously randomized to receive BWL alone or in combination with the Weight Bias Internalization and Stigma program (BWL + BIAS). Participants attended weekly group meetings for 12 weeks, followed by two biweekly and two monthly meetings (26 weeks total). Follow-up assessments were conducted at week 52. Changes on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale and Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire at week 52 were the principal outcomes. Other outcomes included changes in eating, coping, and weight. RESULTS: Of 72 randomized participants, 54 (75%) completed week 52 assessments. Linear mixed models showed improvements across groups, but no significant differences between groups, in week 52 change on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (P = 0.25) or Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (P = 0.27). BWL + BIAS participants reported significantly greater benefits than BWL participants on measures of eating and affective coping with weight stigma. Percent weight loss at week 52 did not differ significantly between groups (BWL + BIAS = -3.1% [SE 1.0%], BWL = -4.0% [SE 1.0%], P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in WBI did not differ between groups at 6-month follow-up. Further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of a stigma-reduction intervention beyond BWL.
Authors: Tosca D Braun; Kristen E Riley; Zachary J Kunicki; Lucy Finkelstein-Fox; Lisa A Conboy; Crystal L Park; Elizabeth Schifano; Ana M Abrantes; Sara W Lazar Journal: Health Psychol Behav Med Date: 2021-11-19