Application of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) in Subjects with Overweight and Obesity living in Italy

AimsAlthough weight-based stigmatization is widespread in everyday life, a suitable measure of weight self-stigma is currently unavailable for those with overweight/obesity whose primary language is Italian. The purpose of this study was to translate and test the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Weight Self-stigma Questionnaire (I-WSSQ) to administer it to adults with overweight/obesity. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 adults with overweight or obesity. Data including Body Mass Index (BMI), I-WSSQ, and Body Uneasiness Test (BUT) scores were collected from April the 2nd to July the 6th, 2021. ResultsReliability was assessed through internal consistency: the Cronbach of the I-WSSQ was =.814, indicating good reliability. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure of I-WSSQ (self-devaluation and fear of enacted stigma, respectively) that explained 49,25% of the total variance. In addition, the I-WSSQ score directly correlated with BMI and BUT score, indicating an acceptable criterion-related validity. ConclusionThe I-WSSQ shows adequate reliability and validity. Health professionals may use the I-WSSQ to assess the weight self-stigma of adults with overweight/obesity whose primary language is Italian.