Effects of a 21-Day Educational Program on Understanding of and Adoption of Plant Based Eating in an Underserved Population of Kidney Transplant Recipients (KTRs)

Objectives: To explore the association between weight bias measures with screening positive for probable eating disorders amongst medical students at a private university in Boston, Massachusetts.Methods: Medical students (n378) completed a web-based survey assessing weight bias internalization (Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale [WBIS-M]), beliefs about weight controllability (Beliefs About Obese Persons [BAOP]) scale, and probable eating disorder symptoms (SCOFF questionnaire).Multivariable logistic models were used to examine the crosssectional associations between weight bias measures and a positive probable eating disorder screening (SCOFF >2).Results: Compared to men, women had higher weight bias internalization (WBIS-M: 3.13 vs. 2.81) and stronger beliefs that weight is within the control of higher-weight people (BAOP: 25.76 vs. 27.21;Ps< 0.05).Higher weight bias internalization was associated with higher odds of a positive probable eating disorder screening (OR: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.51-4.92).Conclusions: Medical students with higher weight bias internalization are more vulnerable to probable eating disorders.Integration of effective interventions targeting weight bias internalization during medical education are warranted.