Describing the views of Canadian post-secondary students in health-related disciplines on the recognition of obesity as a chronic disease

Abstract

Objective

This cross-sectional study examined students’ perspectives on the ramifications of obesity being recognized as a chronic disease in Canada.

Participants

Undergraduate and graduate students (n = 150) in health-related programs at a major Canadian university.

Methods

An online survey featured open-ended questions to capture student perspectives on recognizing obesity as a disease. Data were evaluated using content analysis methods.

Results

Positive themes identified included: (a) treatment accessibility; (b) improved healthcare provider attitudes; (c) de-stigmatization of obesity; (d) promotion of health behaviors; and (e) greater research/funding. Negative themes included potential: (a) healthcare system burdens; (b) perpetuation of obesity stigma; (c) medicalization of obesity; and (d) de-emphasis on modifiable risk factors as contributing to obesity.

Conclusions

There is a need to increase students’ understanding of the multifaceted nature of obesity and the prevention of obesity-related stigma within healthcare. Findings may inform post-secondary health curricula and obesity initiatives.

Keywords:

• Disease
• prevention
• obesity
• student
• weight stigma

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Canada and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of The University of Western Ontario.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.