Written by: Peggie Williamson, PT, DPT, PhD
While attending a professional conference in February, I overheard a conversation that included several derogatory remarks about a student’s body weight. The comments were brief. However, long after the moment had passed, I found myself thinking about what those remarks revealed about the persistence of weight bias, even within professions dedicated to improving health and serving others.
“Weight bias rarely announces itself openly.“
Weight bias rarely announces itself openly. Instead, it emerges through assumptions, casual remarks, and the design of learning activities that fail to consider how experiences may differ for individuals with different body sizes.
In health science education, we prepare students to provide exceptional care by teaching scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional standards. Yet weight bias can quietly persist in our classrooms, learning activities, and instructional materials. Weight bias refers to negative attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes directed toward individuals solely because of their body weight or body size.
Classroom case studies, lectures, and instructional materials can unintentionally reinforce stereotypes when they present weight as the primary determinant of health. Students exposed to these messages might then carry those assumptions into future patient interactions, affecting communication, trust, and healthcare outcomes.
“Creating a more weight-inclusive learning environment begins by recognizing our own implicit biases.“
Creating a more weight-inclusive learning environment begins by recognizing our own implicit biases. We can broaden conversations to include physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, social connection, and access to healthcare. We can also incorporate diverse case studies and educational materials that reflect the wide range of body types and backgrounds students will encounter throughout their careers. By doing so, we help prepare future healthcare professionals to provide equitable, compassionate, evidence-based care.