Dieting among a community sample of adults with chronic pain

Chronic pain and dieting represent significant threats to public health. Larger individuals and individuals with chronic pain are often stigmatized for their conditions and subsequently internalize stigma, exacerbating their negative mental and physical health impacts. Given the multiplicative effects of pain, stigma, and excess weight, research should examine associations among chronic pain, dieting behaviors, and experiences of health-related stigma. Adults (N = 286; mean age = 36.75, SD = 11.56; 62.6% female) with chronic pain participated in an online survey. Over half (57.9%) reported engaging in maladaptive weight loss behaviors. Higher levels of both experienced and internalized stigma were associated with more dieting behavior among smaller-bodied individuals. Maladaptive attempts at weight loss are fairly common among adults with chronic pain, and stigma can relate to these attempts among smaller-bodied individuals who have chronic pain. Screenings for disordered eating among chronic pain patients may be beneficial in clinical settings.