Introduction
Weight bias is characterized by negative attitudes and assumptions towards individuals with larger bodies, and is pervasive in the medical field. This bias is associated with lower quality of care for higher weight patients, and is implicated in worse patient health outcomes and behaviors. Studies indicate that medical students develop and perpetuate weight bias as they progress through medical education. While there are several studies (less than 10) aimed at assessing bias in medical students and addressing this bias, there is a gap in the literature on how much medical students understand about weight bias and how important they feel it is to learn about. This survey aimed to fill that gap.
Purpose: To characterize medical student understanding of and interest in weight bias in medicine.
Methods
We surveyed 71 first-year medical students attending University of Michigan Medical School to assess their understanding and interest in weight bias. The survey included questions about prior education on weight bias, confidence in recognizing and intervening in instances of weight bias, and the importance of learning about weight bias in medical school.
Results
Findings revealed minimal prior instruction on weight bias (1.6 hours average exposure). However, the majority of surveyed students expressed strong interest in learning more about this topic. Students reported moderate confidence levels in recognizing weight bias (6.9/10), but lower confidence levels in intervening in instances of weight bias (4.6/10). Qualitative analysis of students' comments underscored their eagerness to learn about weight bias, comprehend the complex relationship between health and weight, and develop effective communication strategies that avoid bias when discussing health.
Conclusion
This survey highlights the need to address weight bias in medical education, as medical students demonstrate significant interest in learning about weight bias and recognize its importance. Future directions of this work include facilitation of an upcoming educational workshop on weight bias, and developing a pilot elective on weight bias for students at the University of Michigan Medical School.