Hands On Webinar | Addressing Obesity Stigma in Clinical Practice: Strategies for Bias-Free Care | Recording-Hands On Webinar | Addressing Obesity Stigma in Clinical Practice: Strategies for Bias-Free Care

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focused on addressing obesity stigma and bias-free clinical care to improve diabetes management for people living with obesity. Moderated by Dr. Catherine Price, the session featured experts Dr. Kimberly Kijudi and Dr. Samar Hafida, who emphasized the importance of using person-first language to humanize patients and reduce stigma. They highlighted that obesity is a complex, chronic medical condition, not a personal failure, and stressed the need for bias-free communication in medical records, language, and clinical interactions.<br /><br />The presenters addressed common stigmatizing terms and recommended replacing them with non-judgmental language to promote dignity and foster open dialogue. They underscored that stigma negatively affects patient outcomes, mental health, and trust in healthcare providers, often resulting in reduced engagement and inequities in care such as lower rates of preventive screenings and less emotional rapport.<br /><br />Practical strategies discussed included asking for permission before discussing weight, engaging in shared decision-making, and providing training on obesity bias for all healthcare staff to create a supportive environment. Modifying clinical spaces with appropriate equipment and private weighing areas was also recommended to improve patient comfort.<br /><br />Interactive case studies illustrated supportive, person-centered communication, and panelists encouraged advocacy within healthcare teams to educate colleagues about obesity stigma. Emphasis was placed on overcoming biases, enhancing communication, and building networks of compassionate specialists to provide equitable, effective obesity and diabetes care.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar provided evidence-based, actionable guidance to reduce weight stigma in clinical practice, improve patient-provider relationships, and promote health-focused obesity management.

Keywords

obesity stigma

bias-free clinical care

diabetes management

person-first language

chronic medical condition

non-judgmental language

patient outcomes

shared decision-making

obesity bias training

equitable healthcare