We proposed amodel to examine the relationship among different types of weight-related
stigmas and their relationship to quality of life (QoL). We recruited 430 dyads of
elementary school children [mean age = 10.07 years; nboy = 241 (56.0%); noverweight =
138 (32.1%)] and their parents. Parents completed QoL instruments about their children
assessing generic QoL and weight-related QoL. Children completed QoL instruments
assessing generic QoL and weight-related QoL and stigma scales assessing experienced
weight stigma, weight-related self-stigma, and perceived weight stigma. Experienced
weight stigma was significantly associated with perceived weight stigma, and in turn,
perceived weight stigma was significantly associated with weight-related self-stigma.
However, experienced weight stigma was not directly associated with weight-related
self-stigma. In addition, experienced stigma was negatively associated with both
child-rated and parent-rated QoL. Perceived weight stigma was associated only with
parent-rated weight-related QoL but not child-rated QoL. Self-stigma was associated
with child-rated QoL but not parent-rated QoL. Moreover, perceived weight stigma and
weight-related self-stigma were significant mediators in the association between body
weight and children’s QoL; experienced weight stigma was not a significant mediator.
The study findings can be used to inform healthcare providers about the relationship
among different types of stigmas and their influence on child-rated and parent-rated QoL
and help them develop interventions to address the global trend of overweight/obesity
in youth and pediatric populations