(PS1-86) Experiences of Perceived Discrimination Among Adults Seeking Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment

Introduction: Perceived discrimination is defined as individuals’ subjective perception of judgment, negative attitude, or unfair treatment based on one or more personal characteristics such as gender, age, or race. A growing body of research has demonstrated that perceived discrimination is significantly associated with unhealthy dietary and exercise behaviors, and consequently is a risk factor for obesity and weight gain. To our knowledge, literature evaluating the role of perceived discrimination among individuals attempting weight loss is very limited and is specific to racial and weight discrimination. This study aims to expand on this line of research by (1) categorizing types of discrimination observed among individuals enrolling in a behavioral weight loss program and (2) comparing baseline BMI, physical activity, and calorie intake between participants who reported previous experiences of discrimination and those who did not.

Methods: The sample consisted of 156 adults with overweight or obesity (BMI 27-50 kg/m²) enrolled in a behavioral weight loss program. Participants were recruited across the United States. At baseline, participants completed self-reported perceptions of everyday discrimination (Everyday Discrimination Scale - Short Version), calorie intake, and BMI, along with objective accelerometer-based measurements of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). All analyses were conducted using independent t-tests.   

Results and

Conclusion: The sample was predominantly female (74.5%) and White (85.4%) with a mean age of 54.5 years (SD = 10.47). Almost three-quarters (73.7%) of participants reported experiences of discrimination. Perceptions of discrimination were most frequently attributed the following characteristics: gender (n=49), age (n=44), and weight (n=32). Additionally, 36.5% of participants attributed discrimination to more than one characteristic. There were no significant differences in baseline BMI (p =.096), MVPA (p = .900), or calorie intake (p = .503) between participants who endorsed experiences of discrimination and those who did not. However, subgroup analyses found that participants who attributed perceptions of discrimination to weight had a significantly higher BMI compared to those who did not (t(153) = -4.05, p</em> < .001).  

Conclusion: The majority of individuals attempting weight loss have experienced discrimination. Among a sample that was predominantly White and female, discrimination was most commonly attributed to gender or age. A history of weight discrimination was commonly reported by individuals beginning treatment with a relatively higher BMI. Future research should continue to assess how different types of discrimination impact obesity risk and related behaviors and aim to understand how treatment providers can best support individuals who have experienced discrimination.