Bias related to overweight and obesity among French psychiatrists: Results of a national survey.

Abstract

Background: According to people with a higher weight, physicians are the second most stigmatizing group related to excess weight. As a result of these weight-related biases, the therapeutic relationship with the patient and the quality of care would be negatively affected. In addition, this stigma could negatively impact the clinical practice related to higher weight and avoidance of care.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the stigma of overweight and obesity among psychiatric residents and psychiatrists in France. Specifically, the study aimed to assess factors that may influence weight-related bias among psychiatrists, to explore the relevance of visual assessment of body mass index, and to determine how they this feature is integrated into their practice.

Method: An online questionnaire including sociodemographic items, the Fat Phobia Scale, the Beliefs About Obese Persons Scale, the Body Shape Scales, and questions about their clinical practice was distributed via national professional mailing lists and social networks.

Results: The survey was answered by 271 seniors or residents in psychiatry. The results indicated a moderate level of weight-related bias among psychiatrists as assessed by the Fat Phobia Scale which was higher in residents than in senior psychiatrists. Over a third of the respondents had no material to assess their patient's weight, and two thirds did not systematically assess overweight or obesity. Finally, the results demonstrate that psychiatrists failed to accurately evaluate overweight or obesity based on male or female silhouettes.

Conclusion: It appears that measures should be taken to raise awareness among psychiatrists of the stigmatization of individuals living with a higher weight, as well as to enhance the quality of weight gain care in psychiatry.