Study: 40 percent of medical students have bias against obese patients

A survey of medical students found that 40 percent have an unintentional bias against obese patients, which researchers conclude causes a significant barrier to the treatment of obesity (Source: “Many Medical Students Have Anti-Fat Bias, Study Finds,” HealthDay News via US News and World Report, May 24, 2013).

The study, which was conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University and took place over the course of three years, involved more than 300 third-year medical students. Although all of the students attended a medical school in the southeastern United States from 2008 through 2011, they were originally from many different parts of the United States as well as 12 other countries.

"Bias can affect clinical care and the doctor-patient relationship, and even a patient's willingness or desire to go see their physician, so it is crucial that we try to deal with any bias during medical school," study lead author Dr. David Miller, associate professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.