Comparison of Obesity Bias, Attitudes, and Beliefs among Undergraduate Dietetic Students, Dietetic Interns, and Practicing Registered Dietitians

<p>The obesity epidemic in the United States is increasing, and health concerns are also on the rise as they are directly related to obesity. Even though the majority of Americans are overweight or obese, prejudice and weight bias continue to be prevalent and socially accepted in a culture that tolerates discrimination towards these individuals. Health care providers, including registered dietitians, are not exempt from instigating bias towards obese patients causing a decrease in the level of care that they receive. The main purpose of this study was to compare attitudes, beliefs, and bias concerning obesity among undergraduate dietetic students, dietetic interns, and practicing registered dietitians. The data were reported directly by participants. No significant difference was found between fat phobia scores of students, interns, and dietitians. However, it was found that obesity bias decreased slightly as one moved through the dietetics profession. Also, Body Mass Index and fat phobia scores were negatively correlated.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Clinical Nutrition

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Welborn, Sarah E

• obesity bias
• weight bias
• fat phobia
• obesity
• nutrition
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1104

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2261