The Effects of Personal History of Weight Gain and Loss on Attitudes Toward Overweight and Obese Individuals

BACKGROUND: A physician’s views on overweight and obesity can affect their attitude toward patients with these conditions, as well as their willingness to recommend weight loss and choice of treatment options they consider effective.

AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a personal history of weight gain and loss on attitudes toward overweight and obese individuals among sixth-year medical students.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included sixth-year medical students who provided written informed consent. The main study parameters included sex, age, personal history of weight loss or gain, family history of being overweight, and scores on the Antifat Attitudes questionnaire and Body Parts Satisfaction Scale.

RESULTS: The study showed that people with higher body mass indexes were more dissatisfied with their bodies. Body satisfaction levels were also influenced by factors such as the number of previously used weight-loss strategies and a history of being bullied for being overweight or obese. People with a family history of being overweight, who were bullied because of their weight, and who are currently dissatisfied with their body image are less likely to dislike overweight or obese people and to exercise. Male participants and participants who follow a diet tend to dislike overweight and obese people, blaming them for their conditions.

CONCLUSION: A participant’s personal history of weight gain and loss, as well as their own body image, significantly affects their attitude toward overweight and obese individuals.