# Psychological Interventions for Internalized Weight Stigma: A Systematic Review of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy

## TL;DR

This paper reviews psychological interventions for internalized weight stigma, finding they are feasible and may improve mental and physical health outcomes.

## Contribution

A systematic review of psychological interventions for internalized weight stigma, assessing their feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy.

## Key findings

- Most interventions showed significant reductions in internalized weight stigma that were maintained over time.
- Improvements in physical and mental health outcomes were observed in participants.
- Feasibility and acceptability of interventions were generally high.

## Abstract

Internalized weight stigma (IWS) is highly prevalent and associated with deleterious mental and physical health outcomes. Initiatives are needed to address IWS and promote effective coping and resilience among individuals who are exposed to weight stigma. We conducted a systematic review of psychological interventions for IWS and examined their feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy at reducing IWS and related negative physiological and psychological health outcomes.

Eight databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included: (1) psychological intervention; (2) published in English; and (3) included internalized weight stigma as an outcome. Exclusion criteria included: (1) commentary or review; and (2) not a psychological intervention. A systematic narrative review framework was used to synthesize results.

Of 161 articles screened, 20 were included. Included interventions demonstrated high feasibility, acceptability, and engagement overall. Sixteen of 20 included studies observed significant reductions in IWS that were maintained over follow-up periods, yet data on whether interventions produced greater reductions than control conditions were mixed. Studies observed significant improvements in numerous physical and mental health outcomes.

Findings indicate that existing interventions are feasible, acceptable, and may provide meaningful improvements in IWS and associated health outcomes, highlighting the potential for psychological interventions to promote improved health and wellbeing in individuals with IWS. Additional research using rigorous study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials) is needed to further evaluate the efficacy of interventions for IWS.

This study conducted a systematic review of psychological interventions for internalized weight stigma (IWS). We examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of existing interventions at reducing IWS and related negative physiological and psychological health outcomes. Results indicated that existing psychological interventions are feasible, acceptable, and may provide meaningful improvements in IWS and associated health outcomes over long-term periods. Findings support the potential for psychological interventions to promote improved health and wellbeing in individuals with IWS.