title: Obesity bias in primary care providers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center.
authors: Birgit N
authors: BN
authors: Khandalavala
authors: Anantha
authors: A
authors: Rojanala
authors: Jenenne A
authors: JA
authors: Geske
authors: Jessica B
authors: JB
authors: Koran-Scholl
authors: Thomas P
authors: TP
authors: Guck
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care