The effect of weight stigma and the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) disease label and causal explanations on intention to eat healthier and perceived personal control over weight: A randomised online study in reproductive aged women

The intervention at Time 1 will be delivered as a hypothetical scenario online using Qualtrics survey software and will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Intervention materials: A hypothetical scenario of a doctor's visit - female, reproductive aged participants will be asked to imagine they have been putting on weight easily and finding it hard to lose it, having irregular periods and more pimples than usual, and they go to their doctor to see if there is anything to be concerned about. The first independent variable is label given ("you are experiencing these symptoms because you have PCOS" vs. "you are experiencing these symptoms because of your weight") and the second independent variable is the explanation given ("genes (DNA) play a major role" vs. "diet and other health behaviours play a major role") Participants will be randomised to receive one of four hypothetical scenarios. 1) PCOS label + genetic explanation 2) Weight label + genetic explanation 3) PCOS label + environmental explanation 4) Weight label + environmental explanation The full intervention reads: Imagine that for the past year you have been putting on weight easily and finding it hard to lose it. You have also noticed that your periods have become quite irregular and you have had more pimples than usual. You visit your general practitioner (GP) to see if there is anything to be concerned about. Your GP asks about your symptoms, measures your height and weight, and says… “I think you are experiencing these symptoms because [of your weight/you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)].” -1st IV “This is likely due to a mix of factors. However, we now know from recent research that [genes (DNA)/diet and other health behaviours] -2nd IV- play a major role.” Your GP further explains… “[Being above your healthy weight range/Having PCOS] increases your risk of high blood pressure, reduced fertility and type II diabetes. You ask your GP what you should do. “Well… guidelines recommend making healthy lifestyle changes to try to lose weight and reduce these risks.” “I would suggest the first step is to focus on your diet to try to lose weight. This includes eating more fruit and vegetables and less foods high in sugar and saturated fats. For example, less sugary drinks, cakes and pastries, cereals, fatty meat and cream.” “If this doesn’t work, we can then try a medication to help you lose weight. But first, focus on your diet”