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Misconceptions About Obesity and Weight Stigma in Brazilian Healthcare Professionals
Paula Victoria Sozza1,2,3, Eva Penelo4, Stuart William Flint5
1Departamento de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brasil.
Clinical Obesity
|March 18, 2026
Summary
Healthcare professionals in Brazil, particularly men and physicians, exhibit significant weight stigma (WS). Attributing obesity causes to personal responsibility correlates with higher WS, highlighting the need for interventions to improve care for people living with obesity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Disparities
Background:
- Weight stigma (WS) in healthcare settings negatively impacts people living with obesity (PLWO), contributing to treatment disparities.
- While WS among healthcare professionals (HCPs) is documented globally, it remains under-researched in Brazil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of WS and obesity-related beliefs among Brazilian HCPs.
- To identify factors associated with WS in this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 507 Brazilian HCPs, collecting sociodemographic data, beliefs about obesity, and WS using the Fat Phobia Scale-Short Form (FPS-SF).
- Linear regression models were employed to analyze associations between variables.
Main Results:
- Male HCPs and physicians reported significantly higher WS.
- HCPs attributing obesity causes to physiological dysfunction, the food environment, genetic/metabolic factors, or factors beyond patient control demonstrated lower WS.
- Conversely, attributing obesity and weight loss difficulties to lack of motivation or self-discipline was associated with higher WS.
Conclusions:
- Higher WS levels were found in male HCPs, physicians, and those who attribute obesity's causes and management primarily to personal responsibility.
- Findings underscore the critical need for interventions to mitigate WS among HCPs and enhance the quality of care for PLWO in Brazil.
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