The effects of weight self-stigma on psychological distress in adolescents: the chain-mediated roles of fear of negative appearance evaluation and social appearance anxiety

Weight self-stigma has a direct and positive impact on adolescent psychological distress. Fear of negative appearance evaluation and social appearance anxiety serve as mediators in this relationship. Meanwhile, fear of negative appearance evaluation and social appearance anxiety could also chain-mediate the relationship between adolescent weight self-stigma and psychological distress. It is necessary to develop effective intervention strategies to enhance physical activity and dietary management, thereby reducing weight self-stigma and promoting healthy physical and mental development in adolescents.