Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore whether weight-related stigma consciousness, attitudes toward obese people, and body mass index (BMI) affect perceived nutrition competence. Participants (n = 78) completed a self-administered survey assessing stigma consciousness, attitudes toward obese people, BMI, and perceived nutrition competence. Weight-related stigma consciousness was not related to nutrition competence, but BMI and attitudes toward obese people were. Individuals with lower BMI and more negative attitude toward obese people had higher perceived nutrition competence. The results present a little-studied area of the effects of attitudes on healthy behavior and should be considered within the context of a weight loss program.