Overcoming Weight Stigma: A Conversation to Face Personal and Professional Bias

Weight bias and stigma impact all people and all health professions and are especially prevalent in dietetics and nutrition. Negative attitudes, beliefs, and judgements about individuals in larger bodies have been shown to worsen the health and health behaviors of patients and damage the provider-patient relationship, limiting the practitioner's impact. Best practices and evidence about body weight (and standards of care) reflect antiquated, biased views and fail to improve the nutritional status of patients long term.

This session shares strategies that individuals can use to overcome personal bias as well and discuss opportunities to combat institutional bias within the dietetics profession.

Planned with the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Committee

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.5

Performance Indicators

• 1.7.3 Develops awareness of one's own personal beliefs and values to inform and reduce biases.
• 2.1.5 Evaluates the effectiveness of communication methods used to ensure understanding of presented information.
• 4.1.1 Demonstrates effective problem solving and professional judgment to address needs.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the origins and symptoms of weight bias and stigmatization in health and dietetics, including the negative consequences of weight stigma on patient care.
• Outline 3 ways weight bias is perpetrated and strategies to overcome it.
• Explain and apply an intersectional & inclusive approach to nutrition care that includes body attunement, alliance, and autonomy.

Moderator

• Gretchen George

Speakers

• Dalia Kinsey
• Jennifer Barnoud
• J. Lauren Butler