Obesity Bias Among Health and Non-Health Students Attending an Australian University and Their Perceived Obesity Education

Abstract

Objective This study compared the level of prejudice against obese individuals (obesity bias) among final-year health and non-health students, and associated obesity education. Methods Cross-sectional online survey of 479 final-year students (292 health and 187 non-health) from Griffith University, Australia. Implicit and explicit obesity bias was measured using validated tools, and perceived obesity education ranked from "none" to "excellent." Data were analyzed quantitatively using analysis of variance and independent sample t tests. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results Students' mean age was 26.2 ᠷ.6 years and body mass index was 23.2 ᠴ.7 kg/m2. Health and non-health students exhibited significant levels of obesity bias. Non-health students were more likely to suggest that obese individuals lacked willpower (P = .03). Students' self-reported obesity education varied considerably. Those who reported a higher level of genetics-related obesity education were less likely to believe that obese individuals were "bad" (P = .002) or to show concern about putting on weight (P = .01). Conclusions and Implications Obesity bias exists in health students in Australia and is similar to non-health students' obesity bias levels. Students' self-reported genetics-related obesity education may be associated with obesity bias. Modifications to existing health curricula should be considered to reduce obesity bias among future health professionals.