Discrimination and Stigma Associated with Obesity: A Comparative Study between Spain and Egypt – Data from the OBESTIGMA study

Abstract Introduction: This study explores the under-investigated area of obesity-related discrimination and stigmatization across different countries, specifically comparing Spain (Europe) and Egypt (Middle East). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 2,090 participants from both countries. Participants completed three well-validated questionnaires to assess their attitudes toward obesity, experiences of weight-related stigma, and internalization of weight bias: Antifat Attitudes Scale (AFA), Stigmatizing Situations Inventory (SSI), and Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS). Participants were categorized into four groups based on body