Weight-related teasing is associated with body concerns, disordered eating, and health diagnoses in racially and ethnically diverse young men

Gina Williamson; Maggie L Osa; Elizabeth Budd; Nichole R Kelly

doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.03.010

Weight-related teasing is associated with body concerns, disordered eating, and health diagnoses in racially and ethnically diverse young men

Body Image. 2021 Sep:38:37-48. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.03.010. Epub 2021 Apr 5.

Authors

Gina Williamson¹, Maggie L Osa¹, Elizabeth Budd¹, Nichole R Kelly²

Affiliations

¹ Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, 1215 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, 1600 Millrace Dr, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.
² Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, 1215 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States; The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, 1600 Millrace Dr, Eugene, OR 97403, United States. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 33831652
DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.03.010

Abstract

Research suggests that weight-related teasing is associated with body concerns and disordered eating in male and female adolescents and women. Yet, little is known about these associations for young men with diverse racial and ethnic identities. This study examined the association of weight-related teasing frequency and distress with body concerns, loss of control (LOC) eating, dietary restraint, and history of psychiatric and medical diagnoses in racially and ethnically diverse young men. Racial and ethnic identity was examined as a potential moderator. Participants (N = 1,069; 18-30 years; M_age = 24.1 ± 3.6 years) completed an online survey and reported on general demographics; weight-related teasing; body concerns; LOC eating frequency in the last 28 days; dietary restraint; and history of psychiatric and medical diagnoses. All models adjusted for BMI, income, education, and history of psychiatric diagnoses (when not the dependent variable). Both weight-related teasing frequency and distress were significantly and positively linked with all dependent variables, and these associations did not significantly vary by racial and ethnic identity. These findings suggest that, much like in prior research with adolescents and women, experiences with weight-related teasing are associated with body concerns, disordered eating, and poorer health in racially and ethnically diverse young men, regardless of body size.

Keywords: Body concerns; Dietary restraint; LOC eating; Teasing; Young men.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Body Image* / psychology
Ethnicity* / psychology
Ethnicity* / statistics & numerical data
Feeding and Eating Disorders* / ethnology
Health Status Disparities*
Humans
Male
Racial Groups* / psychology
Racial Groups* / statistics & numerical data
Surveys and Questionnaires
Weight Prejudice* / ethnology
Young Adult