Examining Weight Stigmatization toward Obese Individuals among Nutrition and Dietetic Students using the Attribution Theory

Background: Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity in the United States, negative attitudes toward obese individuals are widespread. Health-care providers, including dietetics and nutritionists, are not exempt from showing bias toward obese individuals, which may lead to subsequent psychological and health problems. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure the extent of weight bias among dietetics and nutrition students and investigate its determinants. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey (316) was conducted among undergraduate dietetics and nutrition students at a large Midwestern University to assess weight bias using the Fat Phobia Scale. Eating competence was measured using the ecSI 2.0 and body dissatisfaction using the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale. Other variables included experience with obesity, media exposure to health and nutrition information, and demographic characteristics. Results: About 36% of the participants had weight bias, 64% were unsatisfied with their body image and none of the participants had eating competence. Media exposure to health information, body dissatisfaction, and eating competence was related to fat phobia (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings highlight that weight bias is an apparent issue among students enrolling in health-related programs. Considering their future role in clinical and community settings, this issue should be addressed properly.