In healthcare, weight bias has been documented among which group?

• A. Nurses
• B. Physicians
• C. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
• D. Physical Therapists

Answer: (C)

Weight bias toward people with obesity can appear in many healthcare roles, and it has been documented among registered dietitian nutritionists. Dietitians are specialists in nutrition and weight management, so biases about obesity can subtly shape how they assess and counsel patients. If a dietitian holds the belief that weight mainly reflects personal responsibility or that weight loss should be the primary measure of health, this can color interactions, reduce empathy, or lead to judgmental language. That in turn can affect the patient–provider relationship, the level of support offered, and the effectiveness of counseling. Bias can be explicit or implicit, and studies have shown that it can influence care decisions, such as the tone of counseling, the range of treatment options presented, and the emphasis placed on weight as a health metric. The important takeaway is that bias can exist even among professionals whose role is to help with nutrition and weight management, so approaching care with awareness and a nonjudgmental, patient-centered approach is essential.