Year
2026
Season
Summer
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
Brooks College of Health
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nutrition (MS)
Department
Nutrition & Dietetics
Committee Chairperson
Dr. Lauren Butler
Second Advisor
Dr. Kristin Berg
Third Advisor
Dr. Kassie Terrell
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Jenifer Ross
Department Chair
Dr. Andrea Arikawa
College Dean
Dr. Mei Zhao
Abstract
Background: There is little research on weight stigma in relation to disordered eating and body appreciation within the SGM community. This study aimed to determine differences in weight self-stigma, disordered eating behaviors, and body appreciation among SGM participants compared to non-SGM participants.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used survey data from a sample of university students (18-35 years old) in Jacksonville, FL, USA (N=136). Measures included the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Body Appreciation Scale, and The Eating Attitudes Test-26. Analysis of Variance was used to determine differences in mean weight-self stigma, body appreciation, and disordered eating scores between cis male, cis female, cis SM, and SGM participants. Linear regression models were used to determine associations of weight stigma with disordered eating and body appreciation.
Results: SGM individuals reported higher weight stigma (WS) (40.27 ± 9.430), higher disordered eating (DE) behavior scores (17.13 ± 14.875), and lower body appreciation (BA) (2.85 ± 0.731) scores. WS was positively associated with DE among SGM participants (β: 1.178, 95% CI: 0.549, 1.807) and WS was negatively associated with BA among the SGM group (β: -0.059, 95% CI: -0.089, -0.029).
Conclusion: This study highlights weight stigma within sexual and gender minority groups and how it is associated with higher disordered eating behaviors and lower body appreciation. This study serves as a catalyst for developing more nuanced clinical guidelines that emphasize individualized care and mental health support over weight control.
Suggested Citation
Bahtic, Lejla, "Making the case for weight-inclusive care: Understanding associations of weight stigma with body image and disordered eating in SGM college students" (2026). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1453.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1453
Included in
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Human and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Other Nutrition Commons
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