TY  - JOUR
A1  - Gmeiner, Michaela Silvia
A1  - Warschburger, Petra
T1  - Simply too much
BT  - The extent to which weight bias internalization results in a higher risk of eating disorders and psychosocial problems
JF  - Eating and weight disorders : studies on anorexia, bulimia and obesity
N2  - Purpose Weight bias internalization (WBI) is associated with negative health consequences such as eating disorders and psychosocial problems in children. To date, it is unknown to what extent WBI considerably raises the risk of negative outcomes. Methods Analyses are based on cross-sectional data of 1,061 children (9-13 years, M = 11, SD = 0.9; 52.1% female) who filled in the WBI scale (WBIS-C). First, ROC analyses were run to identify critical cut-off values of WBI (WBIS-C score) that identify those who are at higher risk for psychosocial problems or eating disorder symptoms (as reported by parents). Second, it was examined whether WBI is more sensitive than the relative weight status in that respect. Third, to confirm that the cut-off value is also accompanied by higher psychological strain, high- and low-risk groups were compared in terms of their self-reported depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, body dissatisfaction, and self-esteem. Results WBIS-C scores >= 1.55 were associated with a higher risk of disturbed eating behavior; for psychosocial problems, no cut-off score reached adequate sensitivity and specificity. Compared to relative weight status, WBI was better suited to detect disturbed eating behavior. Children with a WBIS-C score >= 1.55 also reported higher scores for both depressive and anxious symptoms, higher body dissatisfaction, and lower self-esteem. Conclusion The WBIS-C is suitable for identifying risk groups, and even low levels of WBI are accompanied by adverse mental health. Therefore, WBI is, beyond weight status, an important risk factor that should be considered in prevention and intervention.
KW  - Weight bias internalization
KW  - Self-stigmatization
KW  - Children
KW  - ROC
KW  - Mental
KW  - health
Y1  - 2021
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-021-01170-z
SN  - 1590-1262
VL  - 27
IS  - 1
SP  - 317
EP  - 324
PB  - Springer
CY  - Cham
ER  -