Weight Bias and Stigma: Impact on Health.
Sharon M Fruh, Rebecca J Graves, Caitlyn Hauff and 2 others
PMID 34749889WHAT IT FOUND
Weight bias in media, schools, work, and clinics discourages people with obesity from seeking care and increases stress and binge eating and reduces activity.
Nurses should use people-first language, screen for bullying, and adapt care and equipment.
Key findings
01Perceived weight stigma can make people with obesity avoid care, including preventive care and care for musculoskeletal pain or mobility concerns.
02Weight bias in clinical settings can be shown through public weighing, judgmental language, and equipment or spaces that do not fit larger bodies.
03The review recommends people-first language and screening children or adolescents for bullying as practical ways to address weight bias.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This is a narrative review, not a systematic review or trial, so it does not establish how effective the suggested strategies are. The article does not report methods for selecting or appraising the cited studies. Most recommendations are general provider advice, not tested nursing or therapy interventions. It does not give patient-level outcomes or effect sizes for any clinical action.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat the recommended language, screening, and equipment changes as proven to improve health outcomes. The article is a review and does not test these actions.