Psychological Distress as a Predictor for Weight Self-Stigma among Youth in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Weight-related self-stigma has well-known psychological consequences. There is growing evidence that psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, stress, predict the existence of weight stigma. The purpose of the present survey was to examine the association between weight self-stigma and psychological distress among Saudi young adults in Jazan region.

Objectives: The rationale of this study was to investigate the correlation between weight self-stigmatization and psychological distress in young adults In Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional investigation using the wight-self stigma questionnaire (WSSQ) and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 (DASS 21) in a convenience sample of 399 participants. The statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, independent-samples t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression.

Expected Results: We hypothesize that there is correlation between weight self-stigma and psychological distress among young people In Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

Results: The mean age was 21.12 years ± 2.91 years. Stigmatization of oneself weight (both self devaluing and enacted stigmatization concern) was significantly associated with respondents' body mass index (BMI) (p < .001), depression, anxiety, and stress (p < .001). There was a significant correlation between respondents' scores on the WSSQ and DASS 21. The main predictors for weight self-stigma were BMI (p < .001) and psychological distress (p < .001).

Conclusion: The study revealed a strong association between weight self-stigma and psychological distress among young adults in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Further epidemiological and clinical studies on the national level are warranted.