Evaluation of the relationship between weight self-stigma, food cravings and self-esteem in overweight and obese women

This study aimed to assess the levels of weight-related self-stigma, food craving, and self-esteem in overweight and obese women, and to examine the relationships among these variables. A total of 179 voluntary women aged 19 to 65 years with a body mass index (BMI) between ≥25 and <45 were included. Among the participants, 56.4% were classified as overweight and 43.6% as obese. General characteristics, health status, dietary habits, 24-hour dietary intake records, anthropometric measurements, and responses to the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), Two-Factor Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-2F), Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (FCQ-T), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were evaluated. Findings indicated that WSSQ, WBIS-2F, and FCQ scores were significantly higher in the obese group (p<0.05). Although no significant difference was found between groups in RSES scores (p>0.05), significant positive correlations were observed between this scale and the other three scale (p>0.05). These results suggest that negative weight-related self-evaluation and eating tendencies are more prominent in obese individuals, and that self-esteem is associated with these factors. The findings demonstrate that the transition from overweight to obesity increases not only physical risks but also psychological and behavioral vulnerabilities. Therefore, interventions targeting obesity should adopt a holistic approach that addresses not only weight management but also associated psychological and behavioral factors. In this context, the involvement of dietitians is essential for understanding eating behaviors and supporting sustainable lifestyle changes. Further studies are needed to examine these relationships across different age and gender groups.