ANTI-OBESITY ATTITUDES AMONG NUTRITION COURSE STUDENTS IN BRAZIL AND PORTUGAL

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593752318093

• Palavras-chave: Obesity. Weight prejudice. Nutrition.

• Keywords: Obesity. Weight prejudice. Nutrition.

• Abstract:

  Obesity is a serious global public health problem and is related to adverse metabolic effects and increased risk of some diseases. Psychological and social consequences are also related to obesity, and despite the relevance of environmental factors in its etiology, obese individuals are considered guilty of their condition and are frequent targets of discrimination and prejudice. Even professionals involved in the treatment of obesity demonstrate prejudice and negative attitudes towards obese individuals, and the same behavior is observed among students in the health field, especially in the Nutrition Course, in Brazil and in other countries. In this context, the present study set out to investigate the beliefs and attitudes of undergraduate Nutrition students in Brazil and Portugal, in relation to obese individuals. A questionnaire composed of sociodemographic questions, health conditions, lifestyle and nutritional status of the students was applied and, to assess beliefs and attitudes related to obesity, the Anti-Obesity Attitude Scale was used. The sample consisted of 193 students, 133 Brazilians and 60 Portuguese. Portuguese students had more negative attitudes towards obesity when compared to Brazilians. In general, reasonably high averages were observed, indicating the existence of prejudice against obese individuals on the part of nutrition students. Therefore, the need for an adequate approach to the subject during Nutrition training is identified, considering that Nutrition professionals play an important role in the treatment of these patients and must offer effective and welcoming therapy.