Weight Stigma and Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Individuals

Abstract Purpose: The current study aims to examine weight stigma and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals and heterosexual men and women. Methods: The sample consisted of heterosexual and LGB men and women. Participants were drawn from introductory psychology classes and a variety of supplemental recruitment methods (Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, MTURK, etc.). Results: Individuals identifying as male and individuals identifying as heterosexual had significantly greater weight bias than individuals identifying as female and individuals identifying as LGB. Additional gender identity and sexual orientation mean group differences among sociocultural attitudes were observed. While there were modest associations between weight bias and overall sociocultural attitudes, gender identity and sexual orientation had little impact on the strength of these associations. Conclusion: This investigation contributes to knowledge of the impact of gender identity and sexual orientation on weight stigma and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance.Level of EvidenceIII: Evidence obtained from cohort or case–control analytic studies.