Stigmatizing attitudes and misconceptions about obesity among Spanish healthcare professionals

by David Sánchez-Carracedo, Albert Fornieles-Deu, Dimitra Anastasiadou, Stuart W. Flint Weight stigma and misconceptions about obesity among healthcare professionals (HCPs) may negatively affect healthcare quality and access for people living with obesity (PLWO).

However, no previous research has examined these attitudes and beliefs in Spanish HCPs. This cross-sectional online study examined weight stigma and obesity-related beliefs among 922 HCPs recruited via Spanish professional and academic obesity-related organizations ((74.1% female, mean BMI = 23.73 kg/m 2 (SD 3.89), mean age = 43.73 years (SD 12.45), range 23–75, 88.7% provide care for PLWO)).

Anti-fat attitudes were measured using the Dislike subscale of the Anti-Fat Attitudes questionnaire (AFA) and the Fat Phobia Scale (F-Scale). ANOVAs adjusted for sociodemographic variables, weight status, and weight bias internalization were conducted.

Overall, Spanish HCPs surveyed reported negative attitudes toward PLWO. Lower weight status was consistently associated with higher stigma scores.

Younger age (F-Scale) and working in the private sector (Dislike) were associated with higher scores. Differences across specialties were observed, with obesity physicians reporting the lower stigma levels.