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Do Registered Dietitians, Nutrition Students, and Laypeople Perceive Individuals with Obesity Differently?

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  • Giovana Santarosa Cassiano

    (Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Limeira 13484-350, Brazil)

  • Joana Pereira Carvalho-Ferreira

    (Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Limeira 13484-350, Brazil)

  • Nicola J. Buckland

    (Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK)

  • Diogo Thimoteo da Cunha

    (Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Limeira 13484-350, Brazil)

Abstract

(1) Background: Obesity is associated with significant social consequences, and individuals with obesity are regularly affected by weight-related stigmatization experiences. This study compares antifat attitudes among registered dietitians (RD), nutrition students, and laypeople and assesses which factors related to the perceived causes of obesity influence these attitudes. (2) Methods: An online survey was conducted in Brazil with RD ( n = 336), nutrition students ( n = 300), and laypeople ( n = 403) with questionnaires assessing antifat attitudes and perceived causes of obesity. (3) Results: All groups presented low antifat attitudes. Minor differences in antifat attitudes were found among the three groups. Compared to RDs and nutrition students, laypeople presented higher Weight Control/Blame scores, but with a small effect size (η 2 = 0.01). Weight bias was predicted by age, sex, and body mass index. External, social, and financial factors were not perceived to be very important in the development of obesity by RD and students. (4) Conclusions: Since slight differences were seen among RD and students compared to laypeople, and some perceptions of the causes of obesity indicate a stigmatized view. It is essential to place a greater focus on educating and updating these health professionals and students about weight stigma and its consequences for the mental and physical health of individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovana Santarosa Cassiano & Joana Pereira Carvalho-Ferreira & Nicola J. Buckland & Diogo Thimoteo da Cunha, 2021. "Do Registered Dietitians, Nutrition Students, and Laypeople Perceive Individuals with Obesity Differently?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:8925-:d:621300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Puhl, R.M. & Heuer, C.A., 2010. "Obesity stigma: Important considerations for public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(6), pages 1019-1028.
    2. Elran-Barak, Roni & Bar-Anan, Yoav, 2018. "Implicit and explicit anti-fat bias: The role of weight-related attitudes and beliefs," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 117-124.
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