Gender and race differences in weight discrimination’s relationship to psychological distress and eating behavior

Abstract

Stigma and discrimination against people higher in weight is common in the U.S. and understanding weight stigma’s consequences for different individuals is important. In this study, Black (N = 290) and White (N = 449) men and women who perceived themselves to be “overweight” completed self-report measures of perceived weight discrimination, emotion regulation, psychological distress, and eating behavior. Results showed gender differences among White but not Black participants, weight discrimination and the outcomes of interest were stronger for White men, compared to White women. Furthermore, difficulties in emotion regulation significantly mediated the associations of perceived weight discrimination with anxiety, depression, and emotional eating, with this association stronger for White men relative to White women. These results illuminate difficulties with emotion regulation as an important variable to consider in how perceived weight discrimination impacts psychological distress and eating behavior. These findings point to the possibility that White men may be differentially affected by weight discrimination.