Ignoring decades of scientific research that identifies genetics, psychological, environmental and socioeconomic obesity determinants, healthcare professionals (HCPs) often perceive people with obesity (PwO) as undisciplined, lazy, and unlikely to comply with treatment compared to their healthier-weight counterparts. These negative attitudes, beliefs, and judgements, termed ‘weight bias’ lead to discriminatory acts/ideologies targeted towards PwO, termed ‘stigmatisation’. Weight stigmatisation results in significantly poorer overall treatment outcomes for PwO. Notably these poorer outcomes are associated with stigmatisation more so than obesity itself, highlighting the importance of tackling weight stigma and its causes amongst HCPs.
The Irish Model of Care for the Management of Overweight/Obesity and Irish Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines endorse evidence-based, effective, compassionate, and destigmatising treatment for PwO. However, current obesity care training in Ireland is limited for HCPs/HCP students and does not include content relating to weight bias/stigma. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop educational resources in line with local needs and practices, that address fundamental scientific knowledge and deeply ingrained weight bias.
This study has been collaboratively developed with knowledge-users (HSE Health & Wellbeing and Irish Association for the Study of Obesity) and patient advocacy partner (Irish Coalition of People Living with Obesity) in response to this identified need. It aims to deliver an evidence-based, patient-informed eLearning resource, the primary objective of which is to address weight bias and stigma among HCPs by improving knowledge and skills in obesity care. Mapped out over two work packages, WP1 will compile the evidence base and generate evidence statements to inform WP2. Through co-design and co-creation, WP2 will produce a prototype e-Learning resource and test its effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability among HCPs in the ‘real-world’ setting. The anticipated final output (e-Learning resource) will be shared with our knowledge-user partners ready for scale-up and compatible with their virtual learning environment platform (HSELand).
