Weight stigma and physical activity avoidance among college-aged students

This study explored cross-sectional associations between prior weight stigma experiences, physical activity (PA) intentions, behaviors, and the acute effects of a weight stigma exposure on PA intentions and behaviors among undergraduate students. Weight-stigma experiences and behavioral intentions were self-reported. Moderate-to-vigorous PA and total PA were assessed using accelerometry. Participants were randomized into two experimental conditions (a weight stigma or control condition) to assess the acute effects of a weight stigma exposure. Forty-nine students (81.6% female; 59.2% Non-Hispanic White; 19.6 +/- 1.1 years of age; body mass index: 23.9 +/- 4.0 kg/m(2)) completed the study. Prior weight stigma experiences were positively associated with PA avoidance (beta = 12.1 +/- 2.7; p < .001) but were not associated with positive PA intentions or behaviors (ps > .05). There were no differences in positive PA intentions, PA avoidance, or PA behaviors across conditions (all ps > .05). Future studies should examine the long-term effects of weight stigma on PA avoidance and objectively measured PA in young college students.

Automated summary

This study examined the association between prior weight stigma experiences, physical activity intentions, behaviors, and the acute effects of weight stigma exposure on physical activity intentions and behaviors among undergraduate students. The results showed that prior weight stigma experiences were positively associated with physical activity avoidance. However, there was no association between weight stigma experiences and positive physical activity intentions or behaviors. Additionally, the acute effects of weight stigma exposure did not significantly impact physical activity intentions, avoidance, or behaviors.