Weight Bias and Attitudes Toward the Health at Every Size (HAES) Approach Among Female Nutrition Students and Graduates in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction. Individuals living with overweight or obesity may experience weight bias, which can negatively affect their health. This issue may be further exacerbated by conventional nutrition treatments that primarily focus on body weight. In response, the Health at Every Size (HAES) approach has emerged as a weight-neutral model of care that promotes health and well-being across all body sizes by emphasizing healthy behaviors and body acceptance.

Objective. To evaluate weight bias and its association with attitudes toward the principles of the Health at Every Size (HAES) approach among female Nutrition students and graduates in Argentina.

Materials and Method. An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among female Nutrition students and graduates. Weight bias was assessed using the Fat Phobia Scale (FPS), while attitudes toward the HAES approach were evaluated using the validated Health and Weight Attitudes Scale (HWAS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results. A total of 997 female Nutrition students and graduates (mean age: 28 ± 8 years) were included. According to the FPS, weight bias was present in 96.5% of participants. The mean HWAS score was 9.3 ± 7.3. A significant negative correlation was found between the degree of weight bias and attitudes toward the HAES approach (r = −0.38, p < 0.001).

Conclusions. A high prevalence of weight bias was identified among female Nutrition students and graduates, highlighting its potential implications for the care of individuals living with obesity. Furthermore, weight bias was negatively associated with attitudes toward the Health at Every Size (HAES) approach.