Weight Bias Concerns In The Fitness Industry

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a fitness professionals’ social identity and industry role(s) on their weight bias. METHODS: Fitness professionals working in a variety of settings (personal trainers, n = 30; group fitness instructors, n = 107; those with multiple roles, n = 189) were recruited via word of mouth, email, and social media. Participants completed an electronic survey which included demographic questions (e.g., age, gender, race) and questions pertaining to their weight bias (Anti-Fat Attitudes Test) and body dissatisfaction (Contour Drawing Rating Scale). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in total AFAT scores between age groups, gender, levels of body dissatisfaction, and industry roles. Black (4.01 ± .48) and Hispanic (3.82 ± .42) participants reported significantly greater total AFAT scores compared to White (3.56 ± .23) participants (p < .001 and .037, respectively). For both black and mixed-race participants (p < .001), individuals reporting larger body sizes (e.g., 6 or 7 compared to 5 on a 1-9 scale) report greater anti-fat bias. Across all independent variables, the AFAT subscale scores were highest for the social subscale and lowest for the physical subscale. The differences between age groups (p = .228) and industry roles (p = .756) on AFAT subscales were not statistically significant; however, significant differences (p < .05)in AFAT subscale scores were found between different levels of gender, body dissatisfaction, and race, with greater anti-fat physical bias. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide insight into the current fitness industry culture advances the limited current literature on weight bias concerns in the health and fitness industry. Dissemination of findings may assist fitness professionals in the first step of breaking the cycle of socialization: self-awareness.