Cited by 283Obesity and Health PracticesEating Disorders and BehaviorsObesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Mechanisms underlying weight status and healthcare avoidance in women: A study of weight stigma, body-related shame and guilt, and healthcare stress

Mensinger, Janell L., Tylka, Tracy L., Calamari, Margaret E.·2018·Body Image

Abstract

Studies show that women with high BMI are less likely than thinner women to seek healthcare. We aimed to determine the mechanisms linking women's weight status to their healthcare avoidance. Women (N = 313) were surveyed from a U.S. health-panel database. We tested a theory-driven model containing multiple stigma and body-related constructs linking BMI to healthcare avoidance. The model had a good fit to the data. Higher BMI was related to greater experienced and internalized weight stigma, which were linked to greater body-related shame. Internalized weight stigma was also related to greater body-related guilt, which was associated with higher body-related shame. Body-related shame was associated with healthcare stress which ultimately contributed to healthcare avoidance. We discuss recommendations for a Weight Inclusive Approach to healthcare and the importance of enhancing education for health professionals in weight bias in order to increase appropriate use of preventive healthcare in higher weight women.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.03.001

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Authors
Mensinger, J. L., Tylka, T. L., & Calamari, M. E.
Affiliations
  • Drexel University (US)
  • The Ohio State University (US)
Corresponding author
Mensinger, Janell L.
Venue
Body Image
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2018-06
Volume
25
Pages
139-147
ISSN
1740-1445 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2793546505
Cited by
283
References
99
Citations by year
2026: 28 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 58 · 2023: 47 · 2022: 32 · 2021: 57 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 5
FWCI
43.68
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Body Image (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Obesity and Health Practices
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
Keywords
weight stigma, body shame, healthcare avoidance, weight status, body mass index, women, self-stigma, weight-inclusive care
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Body Image, Body Weight, Cross-Sectional Studies, Defense Mechanisms, Female, Guilt, Humans, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Shame, Stress, Psychological, Social Stigma

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