The Role of Pharmacy Education in Mitigating Weight Bias

Two-thirds of American adults are labeled as overweight or obese by current body mass index weight status categories. Individuals categorized as overweight or obese are at risk of weight bias and, subsequently, poorer health care experiences and outcomes. However, schools and colleges of pharmacy may not be providing robust education or training to student pharmacists on weight bias, assessment of their own bias, or how to address and mitigate weight bias against patients. This commentary explores the impact of weight bias on patient care and how efforts can be advanced to recognize and address weight bias in pharmacy education and pharmacy practice to provide optimal care to patients of all sizes.