Weight Stigmatization Among Females and its Association with Depression, Anxiety, and Coping Strategies in Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia

Alshahrani, Amjad; Alshahrani, Ali; Fathy, Aya Ahmed

doi:10.21608/ejcm.2025.393359.1419

Weight Stigmatization Among Females and its Association with Depression, Anxiety, and Coping Strategies in Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Preventive medicine, Armed Forces Hospitals Southern Region: Khamis Mushait, Aseer, Saudi Arabia

² Public Health and Community Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/ejcm.2025.393359.1419

Abstract

Weight stigmatization is an important yet underexplored health issue in Saudi Arabia, especially in females. These problems are exacerbated in conservative regions like Khamis Mushait due to differences in cultural beauty standards and limited awareness of body acceptance. The objective was to assess the prevalence of weight stigmatization among Saudi females and its association with depression, anxiety, and coping strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Saudi females attending sports clubs in Khamis Mushait. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including socio-demographics, experiences of weight stigma, internalized bias, coping strategies, and symptoms of anxiety and depression using validated scales (PHQ-9 and GAD-7). Results: A total 384 participants were included. The majority were classified as obese or overweight (71.4% and 15.6%, respectively), about one-half had a university or postgraduate education (51.8%), and more than two-thirds were non-working (72.1%). Approximately 45.8% of the participants reported experiencing mild stigma, 29.9% reported experiencing a moderate level of weight stigma, while 24.2% reported experiencing severe weight stigma. A significant proportion expressed persistent anxiety (56.3%) and depression (47.7%). Maladaptive coping strategies were prevalent (82.6%). Weight stigma was significantly associated with BMI, age, education level, depression, and anxiety (p< 0.05). Conclusions: The study showed a high prevalence of weight-related stigma among females in Khamis Mushait, with strong links to adverse mental health outcomes and internalized self-blame. These results emphasize the urgent need for culturally relevant public health programs to increase public awareness on body acceptance and promote resilience among affected women.

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