'My words would have more weight': exploring weight stigma in UK dietetic practice and dietitian's lived experiences of weight stigma

BackgroundWeight stigma is pervasive within healthcare and negatively impacts both access to care and the patient-practitioner relationship. There is limited evidence on weight stigma among registered dietitians, particularly in the United Kingdom, though data show weight-related prejudice towards people living with obesity. The aim of this study was to examine both explicit and implicit weight stigma in practicing dietitians in the United Kingdom, as well as the lived experience of weight stigma among dietitians, both towards themselves and towards others.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was disseminated between February and May 2022 using snowball sampling. Inclusion criteria were that participants were UK registered dietitians aged 20-70 years.ResultsFour hundred and two dietitians responded to the survey (female [94.1%], mean age 40.2 years [standard deviation (SD) 10.7]; White ethnicity [90%]; median 12 years [interquartile range (IQR) 6, 22] within dietetic practice). Mean self-reported body mass index was 25.1 kg/m(2) (SD 8.7). Most dietitians reported experiencing weight stigma prior to (51%) and postregistration (59.7%), whereas nearly a quarter (21.1%) felt that weight influenced their ability as a dietitian. Weight stigma was experienced across the weight spectrum. Overall participants reported explicit weight bias attitudes, moderate beliefs that obesity is controllable and implicit antifat bias. Within open-ended responses, dietitians reported three key themes related to their personal experiences of weight stigma: (1) experiences of stigma in dietetic practice, (2) impact of weight stigma and (3) perception of weight, appearance and job.ConclusionThis study shows that UK dietitians exhibit both explicit and implicit weight bias towards people living with obesity. Dietitians reported experiencing weight stigma, which impacted their career-related decisions and their perception of their own ability to perform as dietitians. The study highlights the need to address weight stigma and its implications within the dietetic profession. This cross-sectional survey showed that UK dietitians exhibit both explicit and implicit weight bias towards people living with obesity. Dietitians reported experiencing weight stigma throughout their lives, which impacted their career-related decisions and their perception of their own ability to perform as a dietitian. image Dietitians personally experience weight stigma prior to and post registration. Experiencing stigma impacts on career-related decisions, the area of expertise dietitians choose and their confidence in their own abilities to practise as dietitians. Weight stigma is experienced across the weight spectrum. These data show that dietitians have both explicit and implicit bias towards people living with obesity. Our data highlight the need for weight stigma to be addressed within dietetic practice, both from a patient-practitioner and professional point of view. There is a need for dietetic associations to address how weight stigma impacts the profession.