Stigma of health care professionals toward people with obesity: systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29105/respyn25.1-928Keywords:
stigma, obesity, health professionalsAbstract
Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease that, beyond its physical implications, carries a strong social stigma, even within healthcare settings. Objective: This study aims to analyze scientific evidence available between 2015-2025 on stigma of health care professionals and students toward people with obesity. Method: A systematic review was conducted following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. The search was carried out on PubMed, EBSCO and ScienceDirect, identifying 267 articles. After the screening and eligibility evaluation process, 8 studies were included. Results: Stigma toward individuals with obesity is expressed through negative attitudes and individualistic attributions, in clinical and educational contexts. Differences were observed by discipline, country, educational level, and personal characteristics of professionals; however, a limitation of this review was the restriction to articles available in full text. Conclusion: Weight stigma and weight bias are prevalent among healthcare professionals and students. Strengthening empathetic communication, adopting wellness-centered care models, and promoting curricular changes that integrate a multifactorial view of obesity and eliminate discriminatory practices are essential.
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