Objective: This study evaluated the relation among weightbased stigmatization, ideological beliefs about weight, and psychological functioning in an obese, treatment-seeking sample. Research Methods and Procedure: Ninety-three obese, treatment-seeking adults (24 men and 69 women) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires measuring psychological adjustment, attitudes about weight, belief in the controllability of weight, and the frequency of weight-based stigmatization. Results: Weight-based stigmatization was a common experience for participants. Frequency of stigmatizing experiences was positively associated with depression, general psychiatric symptoms, and body image disturbance, and negatively associated with self-esteem. Further, participants' own negative attitudes about weight problems were associated with their psychological distress and moderated the relation between the experience of stigmatization and body image. Discussion:Weight-based stigmatization is a common experience for obese individuals seeking weight loss treatment and appears to contribute to poor mental health adjustment. The negative effects of these experiences are particularly damaging for those who hold strong antifat beliefs.

FRIEDMAN, KELLI E., SIMONA K. REICHMANN, PHILIP R. COSTANZO, AND GERARD J. MUSANTE. Body image partially mediates the relationship between obesity and psychological distress. Obes Res. 2002;10: 33-41. Objective: Body image is considered as a potential mediator of the relationship between obesity and psychological distress. Research Methods and Procedures:One hundred ten men and women in a residential weight control facility completed the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Rosenberg SelfEsteem Scale, and the Binge Eating Scale. Results: For both men and women, body-image satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between degree of overweight and depression/self-esteem. Discussion: Sociodemographic factors that may influence the relationships among weight, body image, and depression/self-esteem are discussed.

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