
==== Front
Res Sq
ResearchSquare
Research Square
2693-5015
American Journal Experts

10.21203/rs.3.rs-4844880/v1
10.21203/rs.3.rs-4844880
preprint
1
Article
Psychological Interventions for Internalized Weight Stigma: A Systematic Review of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy
D’Adamo Laura
Shonrock Abigail T.
Monocello Lawrence
Goldberg Jake
Yaeger Lauren H.
Jebeile Hiba
Pearl Rebecca
Wilfley Denise E.
29 8 2024
rs.3.rs-4844880https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, so long as attribution is given to the creator. The license allows for commercial use.
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4844880/v1
nihpp-rs4844880v1.pdf
Abstract

Background Internalized weight stigma (IWS) is highly prevalent and associated with deleterious mental and physical health outcomes. Initiatives are needed to address IWS and promote effective coping and resilience among individuals who are exposed to weight stigma. We conducted a systematic review of psychological interventions for IWS and examined their feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy at reducing IWS and related negative physiological and psychological health outcomes. Methods Eight databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included: (1) psychological intervention; (2) published in English; and (3) included internalized weight stigma as an outcome. Exclusion criteria included: (1) commentary or review; and (2) not a psychological intervention. A systematic narrative review framework was used to synthesize results. Results Of 161 articles screened, 20 were included. Included interventions demonstrated high feasibility, acceptability, and engagement overall. Sixteen of 20 included studies observed significant reductions in IWS that were maintained over follow-up periods, yet data on whether interventions produced greater reductions than control conditions were mixed. Studies observed significant improvements in numerous physical and mental health outcomes. Conclusions Findings indicate that existing interventions are feasible, acceptable, and may provide meaningful improvements in IWS and associated health outcomes, highlighting the potential for psychological interventions to promote improved health and wellbeing in individuals with IWS. Additional research using rigorous study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials) is needed to further evaluate the efficacy of interventions for IWS.
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