Weight-Biased Health Professionals and the Effects on Overweight Patients

A significant number of Americans are obese. Weight bias and negative attitudes have been documented among medical professionals, and these may cause obese patients to avoid seeking health care, leading to undiagnosed pathology. Some physicians lack adequate resources and patient counseling skills when addressing patient weight management. This may lead to continued weight problems and associated complications for the patient. Many physicians do not address patient obesity with urgency and determination, even though most physicians consider obesity a widespread, problematic disease. The purpose of this literature review is to assess weight discrimination and negative attitudes among health professionals and how those attitudes affect quality of care for overweight patients. Through these generalizations, sonographers can become aware of their own biases, which may lead to poor patient care.
Source: Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Focusing on the Issues Source Type: research