Exploring the association between internalized weight bias and mental health among Canadian adolescents
Authors' conclusion
IWB interventions should be tailored to gender subgroups that may be particularly vulnerable to maladaptive mental health outcomes associated with IWB. System-level changes that mitigate perpetuation of weight bias and discrimination which lead to IWB are also essential, particularly for girls.
Study context
- Population
- Canadian adolescents with higher weights, ages 12–19, COMPASS study, survey 2021–2022 school year; 60% boys, 36% girls, 4% gender diverse
- Participants
- 7,538 adolescents
- Exposure
- Associations of internalized weight bias (IWB) with mental health, by gender
- Outcome
- Associations between internalized weight bias (IWB) and mental health (depression, anxiety, flourishing), and moderation by gender
Methodological detailsgeneralized linear models
- Generalized linear models
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
IWB and mental health by gender
- Highest IWB and poorest mental health in gender diverse adolescents, followed by girls then boys
- Gender moderated the association of higher IWB with higher depression, higher anxiety and lower flourishing; strongest associations among girls
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Exploring the association between internalized weight bias and mental health among Canadian adolescents. Pediatr Obes. Published 27 April 2024. doi:10.
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