Weight-related stigmatization and binge eating among overweight adults in Southern Taiwan

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the level of weight-related stigmatizing experiences and binge eating in overweight adults in southern Taiwan. Methods: This study design was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey with convenience sample. A total of 141 questionnaires were analyzed. Results: The study showed that 97.9% participants had at least one weight-related stigmatizing experience in their lifetime. The main sources of weight-related stigmatizing experiences were from either parents, relatives or doctors. BMI and age were significantly correlated with weight-related stigmatizing experiences. Furthermore, about 19.9% of participants experienced binge eating. The scores of the weight-related stigmatizing experiences and binge eating were positively correlated (r=0.33, p<0.01). The scores of the weight-related stigmatizing experiences and monthly income significantly explained factors of binge eating. Conclusions: The findings showed that there is a need to develop interventions to assist overweight people cope with weight-related stigmatization and prevent binge eating in the future.