Weight bias and stigma in healthcare professionals: a narrative review with a Singapore lens

Abstract

Addressing weight stigma is essential to obesity management as it causes inequalities in healthcare and impacts the outcomes of health. This narrative review summarises systematic review findings about the presence of weight bias in healthcare professionals, and interventions to reduce weight bias or stigma in these professionals. Two databases (PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL]) were searched. Seven eligible reviews were identified from 872 search results. Four reviews identified the presence of weight bias, and three investigated trials to reduce weight bias or stigma in healthcare professionals. The findings may help further research and the treatment, health and well-being of individuals with overweight or obesity in Singapore. Weight bias was prevalent among qualified and student healthcare professionals globally, and there is a lack of clear guidance for effective interventions to reduce it, particularly in Asia. Future research is essential to identify the issues and inform initiatives to reduce weight bias and stigma among healthcare professionals in Singapore.

Determinants of physical activity promotion in primary care from the patient perspective of people at risk of or living with chronic disease: a COM-B analysis

“…Similar to previous research, participants’ reported preferences for different approaches in discussing PA with HCPs reflect the individual variability in communication styles and focus of the topic (i.e. balancing fear appeals) [ 45 ]. Previous qualitative research using the COM-B model with primary care users highlighted the importance of the HCP connecting the benefits of PA to their health condition combined with the manner in which they approach the topic on the user’s acceptance of the information [ 19 ].…”

“…Participants with experience of discussing PA with a HCP felt their HCP was instructing without supporting them to increase their level of PA, which likely influences the capability of individuals to understand and engage in PA effectively and thus, influences the level of motivation to initiate PA. Negative previous experiences, including where they felt judged, were disempowering and demotivating in terms of engaging in PA, a finding which is reflected in previous work, highlighting a breakdown in trust in the therapeutic alliance [ 45 ]. In contrast, a positive previous experience enhanced motivation to be physically active and provided a sense of empowerment if they felt respected by their HCP.…”

Attitudes towards sex workers: a nationwide cross-sectional survey among German healthcare providers

“…In conclusion, prejudice against sex workers seems to be as common in healthcare professionals as in the general population and was related to overestimation of prevalence for different diseases, especially mental diseases. Similar stigmatizing attitudes have been observed in healthcare professionals towards other stigmatized patient populations, e.g., patients with obesity ( 27 , 28 ) or those affiliated to the “ lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer +” (LGBTQ+) community ( 29 , 30 ).…”

Combating obesity: a change in perspectives

“…Goff et al . [ 11 ] conducted a narrative review on the interventions to reduce weight stigma among healthcare professionals with proposals on how this may apply to Singapore.…”