Examination of the relationship between internalized stigma, self-esteem and depression in overweight and obese late adolescents

AIM: Obesity, which is one of the most important health problems that is increasing day by day, brings discrimination and stigmatization. The internalization of weight-stigma in late adolescence may lead to psychological and social problems and may lead to the continuation of obesity in adulthood. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the relationship between internalized weight-related self-stigma and self-esteem and depression in overweight and obese late adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out between 11.05.2022 and 04.06.2022 as a single-centered, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Individuals between the ages of 18-24 with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 and above, studying at Sakarya University, were included in the study. Data collection tools consisted of an online personal information form, Weight Self-Stigma Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Beck Depression Scale. IBM SPSS Statistics v.20 program was used in the analysis of the data. RESULTS: Self-stigma related to weight was found to be higher in women (p<0.001). Self-stigmatization was found to be significantly higher in obese individuals than in overweight individuals (p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between the participants' self-stigma related to weight and their self-esteem and depression levels (r=0.561; p<0.001 and r=0.610; p=0.001). In addition, a positive correlation was found between self-esteem and depression (r=0.581; p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between BMI and levels of self-stigma and depression (r=0.294; p<0.01 and r=0.224; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: It was observed that individuals with high levels of self-stigma had lower self-esteem and higher depression levels. Besides; It was found that those with high self-esteem had lower levels of depression. This research reveals the necessity of evaluating overweight and obese late adolescent individuals from biological, psychological and social aspects as a whole.