Discrimination is a critical social determinant of health that underlies poor health outcomes. One common but understudied form of discrimination is weight discrimination. Weight discrimination is the behavioral manifestation of weight stigma-the social devaluation of people with excess body weight. Findings suggest that the stress produced by weight discrimination prompts weight gain, creating a vicious cycle between weight discrimination and obesity. Further, there is now well-documented evidence that experiencing weight discrimination is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Little is known, however, about mechanisms explaining the link between weight discrimination and poor cardiovascular health. Using a rigorous experimental approach, this project will identify mechanisms through which weight discrimination harms health. Findings will facilitate the long-term goal of this research: interventions to decrease the negative health consequences of weight discrimination.

As a step toward this goal, this project proposes to conduct an experiment in which a diverse sample of adults with obesity will be randomly assigned to experience (vs. not experience) weight discrimination in a controlled experimental setting. Drawing on previous research and the investigators' pilot data, the interpersonal context chosen for the study simulates situations in which people with obesity commonly experience weight discrimination in their daily lives (e.g., employment settings).

The study will involve two parts: a pre-session baseline survey and an experimental session that will take place in the lab. The baseline survey will be completed online and will assess individual difference variables/psychological variables and demographic characteristics. The in-person lab visit will take place on campus about one week after completion of the baseline survey. The study manipulation (i.e., intervention) will be delivered during the lab visit. Primary outcome variables will be assessed during the lab visit, after delivery of the intervention.

The following aims will be tested: (1) Identify early-stage cognitive, affective, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms activated by experimentally manipulated weight discrimination; (2) Identify psychological variables (e.g., internalized weight bias) that moderate effects of weight discrimination; and (3) Identify demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, race) that moderate effects of weight discrimination. Exposure to weight discrimination (vs. control) is hypothesized to result in elevated responses on early-stage mechanisms that culminate in poor cardiovascular health (e.g., impaired self-regulation, higher negative emotion, more social withdrawal and comfort eating, increased cortisol secretion). This research will identify novel and highly modifiable targets for interventions designed to reduce the negative health effects of weight discrimination. In testing moderator variables, this work will identify individuals who display vulnerability vs. resilience to the harmful effects of discrimination. Information about moderators will thus help future intervention efforts target those individuals most likely to benefit from intervention. Given the high prevalence of obesity and the millions of Americans affected by weight discrimination, this research will address a crucial public health issue.