BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: At the forefront of the obesity epidemic, obesity bias is an under-recognized and widely prevalent barrier to optimal care of the obese patient, even among primary care professionals. Recommendations for the reduction of obesity bias include increasing provider awareness about the complex etiology of obesity and the difficulties obtaining sustainable weight loss. METHODS: Obesity bias was measured in primary care professionals (n=233) participating in a continuing education program, using the Anti-Fat Attitudes Questionnaire (AFAQ). Three sub-factors, "Fear of Fat," "Willpower," and "Dislike," were evaluated. Participants were divided into three primary care experience groups: least experienced (0--9 years, n=67), moderately experienced (10--19 years, n=49), and most experienced (20+ years, n=98). "Fear of Fat" and "Willpower" components were found to be more prevalent than "Dislike"; however, scores on the "Dislike" subscale were highest and significantly more prevalent in the group with the most experience. RESULTS: Results indicated that more experienced primary care professionals reported greater bias toward obese people than less experienced colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing continuing education that recognizes the wide prevalence of obesity, encourages respect for people of size, and mitigates obesity stigma should be promoted for all providers, particularly those who have been in practice for many years.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: At the forefront of the obesity epidemic, obesity bias is an under-recognized and widely prevalent barrier to optimal care of the obesepatient, even among primary care professionals. Recommendations for the reduction of obesity bias include increasing provider awareness about the complex etiology of obesity and the difficulties obtaining sustainable weight loss. METHODS:Obesity bias was measured in primary care professionals (n=233) participating in a continuing education program, using the Anti-Fat Attitudes Questionnaire (AFAQ). Three sub-factors, "Fear of Fat," "Willpower," and "Dislike," were evaluated. Participants were divided into three primary care experience groups: least experienced (0--9 years, n=67), moderately experienced (10--19 years, n=49), and most experienced (20+ years, n=98). "Fear of Fat" and "Willpower" components were found to be more prevalent than "Dislike"; however, scores on the "Dislike" subscale were highest and significantly more prevalent in the group with the most experience. RESULTS: Results indicated that more experienced primary care professionals reported greater bias toward obesepeople than less experienced colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing continuing education that recognizes the wide prevalence of obesity, encourages respect for people of size, and mitigates obesity stigma should be promoted for all providers, particularly those who have been in practice for many years.
Authors: Kate Bloom; Jaime Adler; Christy Bridges; Julia Bernstein; Christine Rini; Adam O Goldstein; Carol Ripley-Moffitt Journal: J Prim Prev Date: 2018-08
Authors: Monica Kidd; Lara Nixon; Tom Rosenal; Roberta Jackson; Laurie Pereles; Ian Mitchell; Glenda Bendiak; Lisa Hughes Journal: Can Med Educ J Date: 2016-03-31
Authors: Chanita Hughes Halbert; Melanie Jefferson; Lynne Nemeth; Cathy L Melvin; Paul Nietert; LaShanta Rice; Kemi M Chukwuka Journal: Prev Med Rep Date: 2017-11-29
Authors: Sean Iwamoto; David Saxon; Adam Tsai; Erin Leister; Rebecca Speer; Hilde Heyn; Elizabeth Kealey; Elizabeth Juarez-Colunga; Kimberly Gudzune; Sara Bleich; Jeanne Clark; Daniel Bessesen Journal: Obesity (Silver Spring) Date: 2018-09-26 Impact factor: 5.002