Weight stigma and weight bias internalization (WBI) are common among adolescents at higher weight statuses. WBI is associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes. The current study aims to test an intervention for weight stigma and WBI combined with an evidence-based adolescent weight management program. Eligible adolescents (13-17) will be assigned by chance to one of two groups: 1) a 4-week intervention focused on weight stigma and WBI followed by a 16-week behavioral weight management program; or 2) a 4-week health information control (to include non-weight-related health promotion topics such as smoking and skin cancer prevention) followed by the same 16-week weight management program but without the WBI and weight stigma content. Study outcomes will be assessed at the 4-week and post-treatment (20 week) timepoints.
Speak English;
13-17 years of age;
BMI at or above >95th%ile for age and sex;
Have at least one caregiver available to provide consent and participate in sessions;
Cognitive impairment or developmental delay impairing participation in a group setting;
Current participation in a weight management program or recent weight loss of 5% of body weight or more;
Medical condition known to impact weight or that would otherwise prevent participation;
Current use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists;