Motivational processes of the relationship between weight stigma and physical activity: a comparison between France and Mexico

A growing body of research identifies weight stigma as a motivational barrier to physical activity (PA) participation. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to better understand the motivational processes involved in the associations between weight stigma and PA (motivation to avoid exercise and self-control resources); and (2) to examine this question in a White, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) country, and a non-WEIRD country with different obesity prevalence: France and Mexico. French (N = 200) and Mexican (N = 153) participants completed an online questionnaire measuring weight stigma constructs (perceived discrimination, weight stigma concerns, and weight bias internalisation), motivational processes, and PA. Main results showed that motivation to avoid exercise and self-control resources operated as two independent processes of the weight stigma - PA relationship: The higher weight stigma, the higher their motivation to avoid exercise, and the lower their self-control resources, both resulting in lower PA. Results also showed both differences (in the levels of weight stigma constructs) and similarities (in the weight stigma processes) between France and Mexico, suggesting the importance of investigating weight stigma in both WEIRD and non-WEIRD countries.

Automated summary

Research shows that weight stigma affects motivation for physical activity and self-control resources, leading to lower physical activity participation. Differences in levels of weight stigma constructs were observed between France and Mexico, but similarities in weight stigma processes suggest the importance of studying weight stigma in both WEIRD and non-WEIRD countries.