Nutrition, age, medical literacy and gender: The impact of ethnic origin (Arabs vs. Jewish Israelis) on obesity

Arbel, Yuval; Fialkoff, Chaim; Kerner, Amichai; Kerner, Miryam

doi:10.1016/j.nutos.2021.06.001

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…This prevalence was higher than a previous study, where it was 34% [ 49 ]. The difference may be due to the lower average BMI in the prior study (around 35 kg/m [ 2 ]) compared to our study (42 kg/ m2 ), as higher BMI is associated with more stigmatizing experiences [ 49 ]. The second most endorsed item was "feeling ashamed while physicians weighed me," reported by 48.7% of participants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

“…Obesity rates have surged over the past 50 years, with global estimates of over 650 million people living with obesity (BMI > 30), accounting for more than 10% of the world's adult population [ 1 ]. In Israel, approximately 60% of adults aged 25–64 are classified as overweight (BMI > 25) or obese [ 2 , 3 ], with higher prevalence observed among Arab residents compared to Jewish residents [ 2 – 5 ]. Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective treatment for individuals with severe obesity who have not achieved weight loss through alternative interventions [ 1 , 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Weight stigma in healthcare settings: the experience of Arab and Jewish bariatric surgery candidates in Israel

Zahra-Zeitoun,

Elran-Barak,

Salameh-Dakwar

et al. 2024

Isr J Health Policy Res

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Background Weight-related stigma and discrimination are prevalent in our society with adverse biopsychosocial outcomes to people with obesity and morbid obesity. Studies suggest that weight bias in healthcare settings are quite prevalent, but there have been, as far as we know, lack of studies examining prevalence and correlates of weight bias experiences among bariatric surgery candidates in Israel. We aim to understand the nature and prevalence of weight stigma among bariatric surgery candidates. To identify differences between Jewish and Arab candidates. To examine the impact of weight stigma experiences on weight bias internalization (WBI). Methods A cross-sectional study was performed among 117 adult bariatric surgery candidates from three hospitals in northern Israel (47.8% Jews, 82.4% females, average BMI 42.4 ± 5.2 Kg/meter2). Patients who agreed to participate completed a structured questionnaire on the same day that the bariatric surgery committee met. WBI was measured using a validated 10-item scale. Experiences of weight stigma were measured using items adapted from prior international studies. Results About two thirds of the participants had at least one experience of weight stigma (teased, treated unfairly, or discriminated against because of their weight). As many as 75% of participants reported that weight served as a barrier to getting appropriate health care and as many as half of participants felt in the last year that a doctor judged them because of their weight. No significant differences were found between Arabs and Jews in the prevalence of weight stigma experiences and WBI. However, a trend towards more stigma experiences among Jews was noted. WBI was predicted by female gender and experiences of weight stigma, both in general and within healthcare settings. Conclusions Weight stigma towards bariatric surgery candidates in Israel is quite prevalent, and specifically in healthcare settings. It is important to adopt policy actions and intervention programs to improve awareness to this phenomenon among the general public and specifically among healthcare providers, as many healthcare providers may be unaware of the adverse effect of weight stigma and of ways in which they are contributing to the problem. Future studies may validate our findings using larger sample size and longitudinal design.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%