Inequities in healthcare: a review of bias and discrimination in obesity treatment

Abstract

This review is based on an exploration of the published literature over the past 20 years in the area of weight bias, stigma and discrimination and its association with obesity treatment. National and international obesity organizations have identified obesity stigma as a key barrier to effectively addressing the obesity epidemic and have called for theory driven interventions to reduce it. Both the Canadian Obesity Network (http://www.obesitynetwork.ca) and the Obesity Society (http://www.obesity.org) have strategic directions, mission statements and collaborations that strongly oppose weight bias and recognize the potential of such bias to negatively impact obesity treatment. Comprehensive reviews of the literature in the area of weight bias have been published and have subsequently raised awareness of the potential impact of weight bias and discrimination on the health and well-being of individuals living with obesity. The purpose of this review is to highlight drivers of weight bias and to discuss its impact on obesity treatment.

Keywords: obesity; obésité; préjugés liés au poids; traitement; treatment; weight bias.