Virtual Third-Wave Intervention for Internalized Weight Bias Combined With a Weight Loss Program

ACT-based programs and self-compassion have shown promise throughout research for lowering IWB (Berman et al., 2016; Levin et al., 2018; Lillis et al., 2009; Palmeira, Cunha, \& Pinto-Gouveia, 2017; Palmeira, Pinto-Gouveia, \& Cunha, 2017; Forbes et al., 2020). Therefore, using techniques from prior ACT- and self-compassion based programs, a weight bias reduction intervention will be administered. Session topics will include psychoeducation and coping for weight bias and internal weight bias, and these topics will be viewed through a self-compassionate and ACT-based lens (for example, participants may defuse from internal critical thoughts rather than challenge them). Sessions will also cover acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, committed action, and the dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) DEARMAN skill.