Table 1 Study Characteristics

[22]

Barry, Brescoll, Brownell & Schlesinger (2009);

USA

1009

nationally representative web sample

RDD-sampling to recruit for web sample;

Yale Rudd Center Public Opinion on Obesity Survey

≥ 18 yrs

Internet survey

Causal attribution described in 7 specific metaphors:

obesity as sinful behaviour; a disability; a form of eating disorder; a food addiction; a reflection of time crunch; a consequence of manipulation by commercial interests; as result of a toxic food environment

For what percentage of overweight Americans does [metaphor] account for? Policy support (7 redistributive, 6 compensatory, 3 price-raising):

Rating of support

[2, 26, 27]

Hilbert, Rief, Brähler, 2007a, 2007b; 2008

Germany

1000

nationally representative

ADM-sampling with last birthday method; surveyed by USUMA

45.9 yrs

Telephone interview

- structured interview

- CATI

- 20 min

Causal attribution conceptualized in 11 items:

behavioural, other environmental, genetic risk factors → rating on a 5-point Likert scale.

Policy support (11, information-based campaigns, regulatory measures and childhood-focused measures):

Rating of support

Stigmatizing attitudes:

Subscale "weight/control blame" (WCB) of the Antifat Attitudes Test.

Causal attribution: 3 scales covering behaviour, environment and heredity

[23]

Oliver & Lee, 2005;

USA

909

nationally representative;

RDD-sampling; American Attitudes towards Obesity (AATO) survey

/

Telephone interview

Causal attribution: 2 items each on 3 dimensions (genetic, environmental, personal attribute factors)

Policy support (regulating food ads and lunches in school):

Rating of support on 5-point Likert scale

[24]

Seo, Torabi & Torabi, 2006;

USA

1000

nationally representative;

RDD-sampling

≥ 18 yrs

Telephone interview

- CATI

- 10 min

Causal attribution: 2 items ("Obese people can do sth. about their weight" and "Obese people can lose weight by watching their eating habits")→ rating on 5-point Likert scale.

[25]

Taylor, Funk, Craighill, 2006;

USA

2250

randomly-selected nationally representative

≥ 18 yrs

Telephone interview

Causal attribution: Rating of reasons of overweight/obesity