Knowledge and attitudes of obesity in university students

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature which has measured individual’s knowledge on the health risks associated with obesity, and individual’s attitudes towards obese persons. This review primarily focuses on studies that recruited students, health care professionals, and the general population. The inclusion criteria was: students, health care professionals, general population, studies that used the Obesity Risk Knowledge (ORK-10) scale, studies that used the Attitudes Towards Obese Persons (ATOP) scale, and any other validated questionnaire which measured obesity risk knowledge (ORK), and attitudes towards obese persons. Results revealed high obesity risk knowledge among health care professionals, primarily dieticians and general practitioners, and low obesity risk knowledge amongst the general population. Negative attitudes towards obese persons were prevalent in most studies, and were evident in students, health care professionals and the general population. The variables gender and BMI yielded conflicting results among the selected studies. Education is needed to increase obesity risk knowledge among a number of health care professionals and the general population, this will aid preventative techniques towards overweight and obesity. In addition, educational tools to raise awareness and reduce weight related bias and stigma need to be implemented in employment and educational settings, amongst the general population and health care professionals.