# Impact of body image and perceived stigmatization on the psychological wellbeing of obese women in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

## TL;DR

This study explores how body image and stigma affect the mental health of obese women in Kumasi, Ghana, and suggests counseling strategies to improve their well-being.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the psychological effects of body image and stigmatization on obese women in a specific Ghanaian context.

## Key findings

- Obese women in Kumasi showed significant satisfaction with their body image.
- Higher self-esteem and living standards correlate with positive body image perception.
- Counseling strategies like dieting and exercise are recommended to improve self-esteem.

## Abstract

Obesity is found to have a significant impact on body image perception and overall well-being. This study examines the impact of body image and perceived stigmatization on the psychological wellbeing of obese women in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. A sample of 231 obese women was selected from health shops and some fitness centers using snowballing technique (purposive, snowballing technique and convenience). The study employed the descriptive survey design and made use of both descriptive and inferential data analysis approaches. The body shape questionnaire BSQ-34, the inventory of the Stigmatization Situation (SSI) and finally, the psychological well-being tools were used. Also, frequency distributions mean, and standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient and simple linear regression analysis were employed using SPSS version 23. Our findings indicated that obese women in the Kumasi metropolis were significantly satisfied with their body image. This is a true reflection of their higher self-esteem and standard of living. The body image and perceived stigmatization on the psychological wellbeing of the obese do have some counselling implications. Counselors, nutritionists, and clinical psychologists address specific schemes such as binge eating, dieting, and exercising to build the self-esteem of obese women.