How weight stigma affects disordered eating and resilience factors

The effect of weight stigma on daily disordered eating and potential resilience factors

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10855764

This study is looking at how feeling judged about weight can lead to unhealthy eating habits, and it’s for overweight adults who want to understand how social support might help them cope better with these feelings.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10855764 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of weight stigma on disordered eating behaviors, which include harmful cognitive and behavioral patterns related to body image and weight control. By using daily diary methods and experimental manipulation, the study aims to determine whether weight stigma directly causes disordered eating symptoms in individuals. Additionally, it will explore social resilience factors, such as belonging and group identification, that may help protect against these harmful eating behaviors. The study will involve 300 overweight adults to gather comprehensive data on their experiences.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are overweight adults with a BMI of 28 or higher who may experience disordered eating behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience weight stigma or disordered eating behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for individuals struggling with disordered eating due to weight stigma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a correlation between weight stigma and disordered eating, but this study aims to explore causal relationships, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.