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

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Appetite

Publication Date

7-1-2016

Abstract

© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. 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.

ISSN

0195-6663

Publisher

Academic Press

Volume

102

First Page

44

Last Page

50

Disciplines

Life Sciences

Keywords

Disordered eating, Eating disorders, Female, Teasing, United Arab Emirates, Weight stigma

Scopus ID

84955604949

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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