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Weight self-stigma moderates prospective association between social comparison orientation and weight outcomes in a support-focused behavioral weight loss program
Conference poster   Peer reviewed

Weight self-stigma moderates prospective association between social comparison orientation and weight outcomes in a support-focused behavioral weight loss program

Nicole Ashley Miller, Charlotte Joyce Hagerman, Danielle R Arigo, Gabrielle M Salvatore and Meghan L Butryn
Annals of behavioral medicine, v 60(Supplement_1), pp S114-S114
01 Apr 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaag012#page=S114
url
https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaag012#page=S114View
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Abstract

Weight loss Social support
Introduction: In group-based weight loss programs, social comparison can promote healthy competition, but feelings of shame or stigma may undermine potential benefits. In this study, we investigated whether internalized weight stigma moderates the association between social comparison and weight loss outcomes. We hypothesized that the association between baseline social comparison orientation and weight loss would depend on participants’ weight self-stigma. Specifically, we expected that among those with high self-stigma, upward comparison would predict less weight loss and downward comparison would predict greater weight loss. Methods: Participants (N = 321; Mage = 53.39) with overweight or obesity received 12-months of remotely delivered group-based behavioral weight loss treatment. The first 3 months involved weekly group sessions (~15 participants per group) and prompted regular text messaging between participants. Participants were instructed to self-weigh daily using a digital scale during assessment periods (0, 3, 6, 12 months). At baseline, tendency to compare with others was assessed using the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) and weight self-stigma was measured via the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ). Multiple linear regression examined moderation effects, controlling for BMI. Results: At 3 months, participants lost an average of 5.28% from baseline (SD = 3.22%). Main effects of upward social comparison orientation (B = -0.003, β = -0.09, t(312) = -1.38, p = .17) and weight self-stigma (B = 0.004, β = 0.12, t(312) = 1.86, p = .07) were not significant. The overall model explained 2% of the variance in 3-month weight loss (R2 = .02). However, the interaction between upward comparison and self-stigma predicted 3-month weight loss (B = -0.003, β = -0.13, t(312) = -2.10, p = .04). Among participants with high weight self-stigma, greater upward comparison was associated with less weight loss (B = -0.003, β = -0.18, t(312) = -2.10, p = .04). No significant effects were found at 6 or 12 months, nor for downward or general comparison. Conclusions: During periods of frequent group contact, weight self-stigma may hinder weight loss among individuals with a tendency toward upward social comparison. This finding highlights the importance of addressing stigma and attending to social comparisons in group-based weight loss interventions.

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