Professionals who treat eating disorders are not immune to weight prejudice

Date: Sep-18-2013Stereotypes about over-weight and obese people are all too common in society and now new research in the International Journal of Eating Disorders reveals that these derisory views are also common in health professionals.

329 professionals who treat eating disorders, from therapists to doctors, were assessed for 'weight bias' and were asked about the perceived causes of obesity, how much attention they gave to obese patients and the likelihood that their prescribed treatments would be complied with.

Although 88% of professionals were prepared to provide treatment to obese patients, the majority, 56%, reported that other professionals in their field made negative comments about obese patients. 42% believed that practitioners who treat eating disorders often have negative stereotypes about obese patients.

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.