Relationship between body mass index and quality of life among Malaysian young adults: Sequential mediated effects of perceived weight stigma and weight-related self-stigma

Abstract

The present cross-sectional study examined how perceived weight stigma (PWS) and weight-related self-stigma (WRSS) may sequentially mediate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and quality of life (QoL) among Malaysian young adults. Malaysian university students (n = 1044; mean age = 21.3 years) self-reported their height/weight and completed the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Perceived Weight Stigma Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF. Sequential mediation analyses assessed direct/indirect effects of BMI on QoL domains (including physical, psychological, social, and environmental) and overall QoL, with PWS and WRSS as mediators. Higher BMI (i) positively related to PWS (r = 0.150, p < 0.01) and WRSS (r = 0.469, p < 0.01); and (ii) negatively related to psychological QoL (r = −0.105, p < 0.01) and general health (r = −0.148, p < 0.01). Sequential mediation analyses showed significantly negative indirect effects of BMI on all QoL domains via PWS and WRSS. Therefore, PWS and WRSS are important factors in the relationship between BMI and QoL among Malaysian young adults.