Examining Weight Bias among Practicing Canadian Family Physicians

Abstract

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of practicing Canadian family physicians about individuals with obesity, their healthcare treatment, and perceptions of obesity treatment in the public healthcare system. <b><i>Method:</i></b> A national sample of Canadian practicing family physicians (<i>n</i> = 400) completed the survey. Participants completed measures of explicit weight bias, attitudes towards treating patients with obesity, and perceptions that people with obesity increase demand on the public healthcare system. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Responses consistent with weight bias were not observed overall but were demonstrated in a sizeable minority of respondents. Many physicians also reported feeling frustrated with patients with obesity and agreed that people with obesity increase demand on the public healthcare system. Male physicians had more negative attitudes than females. More negative attitudes towards treating patients with obesity were associated with greater perceptions of them as a public health demand. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Results suggest that negative attitudes towards patients with obesity exist among some family physicians in Canada. It remains to be determined if physicians develop weight bias partly because they blame individuals for their obesity and its increased demand on the Canadian public healthcare system. More research is needed to better understand causes and consequences of weight bias among health professionals and make efforts towards its reduction in healthcare.

Attitudes, behaviours and strategies towards obesity patients in primary care: A qualitative interview study with general practitioners in Germany

“…Here, most doctors expressed the feeling that they are not making any difference in getting their patients to make long-term lifestyle changes; they tend to blame obese patients as unmotivated and not-compliant, very similar to the first type in the present study (the resigned). A Canadian survey of 400 general practitioners comes to similar results [18]. Another commonality between the present study and the work of Teixeira et al [17] is that GPs feel left alone to a certain extent when caring for obese patients; the desire for more referral options is expressed.…”

“…Previous studies have already noted that general practitioners are often reticent in taking a proactive role in obesity management as they perceive a lack of patient motivation as a serious hindrance [ 21 ]. In some cases, pronounced stereotypes and stigmatisations can be observed on the part of doctors [ 15 , 16 , 18 ]. The present study results point to the work of Teixeira and colleagues, in which the attitudes of Portuguese GPs to obesity management were examined [ 17 ].…”

“…Severely overweight patients are often dissatisfied with the care given by general practitioners [14]; conversely, European studies have shown broad scepticism amongst GPs regarding motivation and discipline towards sustainable bodyweight reduction in their patients [15][16][17][18]. This results in a major shift of responsibility for bodyweight reduction towards patients [19,20].…”

Recognizing Weight Bias

“…Weight bias and stigmatization of patients with obesity in healthcare is common and well-documented [16]. There is a considerable volume of research and data that indicate that healthcare is rife with weight bias, stigmatization, prejudice, and discrimination and that biased attitudes and behaviors negatively affect the delivery and quality of care for patients with obesity.…”

Evidence-based recommendations to assist adults with depression to become lifelong movers

“…[23][24][25] In a sample of family physicians practising in Canada (n = 400), large proportions gave responses suggestive of weight bias: 49% agreed that "people with obesity increase demand on the public health care system"; 33% stated they "often feel frustrated with patients who have obesity"; 28% stated they felt "patients with obesity are often noncompliant with treatment recommendations"; 19% said "I feel disgust when treating a patient with obesity"; and 17% indicated that "sometimes I think that people with obesity are dishonest." 26 Under-explored in Canada is the prevalence of weight-based stigma in different settings, despite its pernicious effects. 27 This study aims to address this knowledge gap by assessing the association of higher body weight with self-reported discrimination in health care among Canadian women and men.…”