Measuring internalized weight attitudes across body weight categories: Validation of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale

• We modify the Weight Bias Internalization Scale for samples of diverse body weights.
• The modified scale is psychometrically sound.
• The scale predicts psychopathology across body weight categories.
• Body dissatisfaction and eating pathology correlate with the modified measure.
• The scale can be used as an assessment tool in both research and clinical practice.

The purpose of this research was to validate a modified version of the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M) that is applicable to individuals across different body weight statuses. One hundred forty-eight men and women completed an online survey that included the WBIS-M and relevant measures of psychopathology. Results indicated that the WBIS-M had high internal consistency and strong construct validity. The WBIS-M also demonstrated significant correlations with body image, eating pathology, self-esteem, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and was associated with these outcomes distinctly from antifat attitudes and body mass index. Implications for the use of this scale in diverse samples are discussed.