Abstract

Purpose Weight stigma is implicated in disordered eating, but much of this research focuses on forms of stigma such as weight-based teasing.

Methods In a large cohort of adolescent girls (N = 2,036), we tested the hypothesis that being labeled as “too fat” by others predicts subsequent greater disordered eating cognitions and behaviors.

Results Compared with girls who did not report weight labeling, girls who were labeled at age 14 showed an increase in unhealthy weight control behaviors and disordered eating cognitions over the subsequent 5 years. These effects were independent of objective body mass index, race, parental income and education, and initial levels of disordered eating.