(Mis)matches in Daily Weight Stigma Perpetrators' and Targets' Genders and Races Relative to Targets' Daily Disordered Eating Behaviors: Examining Differences Between Black and White Women

Abstract

Background Associations between weight stigma (WS) and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) vary based on the WS source (eg, family, strangers). However, no research has examined how (mis)matches in WS perpetrators’ and targets’ races and genders relate to targets’ DEBs in the natural environment (eg, home, work/school). Objective This study examined whether associations between daily WS and DEBs differed: for Black vs White women, based on whether there were (mis)matches in the races and—separately—genders of WS perpetrators and targets. Design This is a secondary analysis of a remote daily diary study conducted in the Mid-Atlantic United States. Participants completed nightly surveys on mobile devices for 14 days from January 2019 to July 2020. Participants/setting Participants included Black (n = 58) and White (n = 86) women with body dissatisfaction (ages 18 to 35 years). Main Outcome Measures Outcomes included binge eating, overeating, loss of control eating, and dietary restriction (skipped meals, refused food/drinks, replaced meals with no/low-calorie substances, and limited food amount). Statistical Analyses Performed Multilevel models examined whether associations between daily WS by men, women, Black or White perpetrators (vs no daily WS; independent variables) and daily DEBs (outcomes) differed for Black vs White women (moderator). Results Associations between daily WS and different DEBs were generally largest for Black women when WS was perpetrated by women and, for White women, by men (with exceptions). For example, on days when Black women experienced WS by other women, they were more likely than White women to engage in binge eating (b = .14 ± .06; P = .024), refuse food/drinks (b = .21 ± .07; P = .004), and limit the amount of food they ate (b = .27 ± .10; P = .008). (Mis)matches in WS perpetrators’ and targets’ races were not associated with Black or White women’s daily DEBs (P values > .05). Conclusions Findings suggest that associations between daily WS and DEBs are especially harmful for women with multiple marginalized identities (Black women), particularly when Black women experience WS by women perpetrators. Further WS research centered on Black women’s experiences is needed.