Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Clinical Nutrition
Date of Award
5-2013
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Michelle Lee
Committee Members
Eileen Cress, Michelle Johnson
Abstract
The obesity epidemic in the United States is increasing, and health concerns are also on the rise as they are directly related to obesity. Even though the majority of Americans are overweight or obese, prejudice and weight bias continue to be prevalent and socially accepted in a culture that tolerates discrimination towards these individuals. Health care providers, including registered dietitians, are not exempt from instigating bias towards obese patients causing a decrease in the level of care that they receive. The main purpose of this study was to compare attitudes, beliefs, and bias concerning obesity among undergraduate dietetic students, dietetic interns, and practicing registered dietitians. The data were reported directly by participants. No significant difference was found between fat phobia scores of students, interns, and dietitians. However, it was found that obesity bias decreased slightly as one moved through the dietetics profession. Also, Body Mass Index and fat phobia scores were negatively correlated.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Welborn, Sarah E., "Comparison of Obesity Bias, Attitudes, and Beliefs among Undergraduate Dietetic Students, Dietetic Interns, and Practicing Registered Dietitians" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1104. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1104
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.