As health care providers, we are in a unique position to influence the well-being of children and adolescents, particularly those dealing with obesity. However, weight stigma and bias can undermine our efforts, leading to detrimental mental, medical, and social outcomes for our young patients. A recent review titled Weight Stigma and Bias: A Guide for Pediatric Clinicians offers actionable recommendations to mitigate these effects. Here’s how you can implement these best practices to improve patient care.
1. Assess for Personal Weight Bias
Weight bias is pervasive in our culture, often subconsciously affecting our thoughts and behaviors. The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is a validated tool that can help assess personal biases. Increasing self-awareness is the first step towards reducing bias in clinical settings.
2. Improve Communication
- Use Person-First Language: Terms like "obese" or "fat" are stigmatizing. Instead, use "person with obesity" to emphasize the individual, not the condition.
- Words Matter: Ask patients about their preferred terms. Children and adolescents often dislike terms like "fat" or "large." Preferred terms vary, so personalized communication is crucial.
3. Provide a Welcoming Clinic Environment
Ensure your clinic environment is inclusive and comfortable for all body types. This includes appropriate furniture, privacy when weighing patients, and respectful reading materials that avoid glorifying thinness.
4. Seek Additional Training
Continuous education on obesity as a chronic disease, its biochemical complexities, and external factors like social determinants of health can help providers offer more empathetic and informed care.
5. Evaluate Organizational Messaging
Ensure that your organization’s messaging is free from bias. Use person-first language and respectful images in all communications. Regularly review and update these materials to maintain an inclusive environment.
6. Screen for Trauma and Bullying
Utilize trauma-informed care principles to assess weight stigma and bullying. Screen for adverse experiences and make appropriate referrals to mental health resources when necessary.
7. Enlist Board-Certified Obesity Medicine Specialists
These specialists can provide in-depth knowledge and support, helping to reduce institutional weight stigma. They can also serve as valuable referral resources for complex cases.
8. Additional Resources
- The Obesity Medicine Association
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity
- Balanced View: Addressing Weight Bias and Stigma in Health Care
- Joint International Consensus Statement for Ending Stigma of Obesity
Implementing these best practices can significantly improve the therapeutic alliance between providers and patients, reduce weight bias, and enhance patient outcomes. For a deeper understanding, we encourage you to read the original research paper: Weight stigma and bias: A guide for pediatric clinicians.
