Assessing exposure to weight stigma: development and initial validation of the Weight Stigma Exposure Inventory (WeSEI)

Unpad Researchers Contribute to Development of Global Tool to Measure Weight Stigma

A new international study has developed and validated the Weight Stigma Exposure Inventory (WeSEI), a comprehensive 35-item scale that measures how frequently individuals experience weight stigma from various sources, including healthcare professionals, family, peers, social media, and public environments.

Researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran, Iqbal Pramukti, S.Kep.,Ners.,M.Sc., Ph.D., collaborated with experts from National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan), Qufu Normal University (China), University of Hawaii, Monash University, and several other global institutions. The large-scale psychometric study involved 15,991 participants across Taiwan and China.

The study identified seven distinct sources of stigma exposure: television, traditional media, social media, parents, strangers, significant others, and friends. The WeSEI demonstrated high validity, reliability, and consistency across genders, weight statuses, and cultural backgrounds.

WeSEI offers a robust tool for use in research and clinical practice. This innovation aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), supporting a more inclusive and equitable approach to health and body diversity.

📖 Full article: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-024-01168-9