Translation and validation of the German version of the weight self-stigma questionnaire (WSSQ).

The experience of stigmatization is widespread among obese patients. The aim of the present study was to translate the English version of the weight self-stigma questionnaire (WSSQ) into German and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the German version in a sample of severely obese persons. Between March and June 2013, in the Outpatient Department of Obesity, University Hospital Heidelberg, 94 obese patients were recruited consecutively. A comprehensive questionnaire was completed by the participants. Significant correlations between WSSQ scores and mental quality of life, weight-related quality of life, depression, shame, guilt, and psychological distress all demonstrated the construct validity of the German version of the WSSQ. Patients with a BMI ≥ 50 showed a significantly higher self-stigma compared to patients with a BMI between 35 and 50.