Professor David Sánchez‑Carracedo awarded at the AEETCA Congress in Málaga for pioneering research on bidirectionality between stigma and obesity in adolescents
Professor David Sánchez‑Carracedo received an honourable mention for the Best Oral Communication at the 15th AEETCA Congress, held in Málaga from March 18 to 21, under the theme “Navegando hacia la recuperación de los TCA”. The award was given for the presentation of the study “Cuando el estigma y el peso se retroalimentan: primera evidencia en España de la relación bidireccional entre estigma y obesidad en adolescentes”, conducted together with Joana Estrada Vila and Albert Fornieles‑Deu.
The research presents the results of a pioneering prospective study in the Spanish adolescent population, examining the bidirectional relationship between obesity and weight stigma, including both experiences of weight‑related stigmatization and weight bias internalization (WBI). The study was carried out with a representative sample of secondary school students from the city of Terrassa and included a two‑year follow‑up period.
The results show that, particularly among girls, overweight and obesity increase the risk of experiencing weight stigma and high levels of WBI, and that, in turn, these experiences and high levels of WBI raise the likelihood of developing overweight or obesity. The findings highlight the impact of weight stigma on health and emotional well‑being during adolescence and reinforce the need to promote preventive interventions based on an inclusive, non‑weight‑centric approach.
The award underscores the scientific and social relevance of the work presented and recognizes its contribution to advancing knowledge in the field of eating and weight-related problems and adolescent health.