Weight stigma awareness training programme for healthcare practitioners

As we mark World Cancer Research Fund’s Cancer Prevention Action Week (17-23rd February), Health Equalities Group (HEG) is providing an update on a weight stigma awareness training programme for healthcare practitioners across Cheshire & Merseyside. This delivery is part of one workstream within the Strategic Obesity Project that is being delivered by HEG and funded by the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA).

Developed in response to stakeholder insight gathered during Year 1 of the project, the training addresses the negative consequences of weight stigma (or weight bias) in healthcare and supports practitioners to adopt a more person-centred approach when discussing weight. The programme is grounded in academic literature, a survey of more than 130 local healthcare staff, and focus groups with patients who shared lived experience of weight stigma in healthcare settings.

Notably, 47% of surveyed practitioners recognised weight stigma as an issue affecting patient–provider relationships in their setting. Evidence shows that experiences of stigma can lead to delayed or avoided medical care, poorer communication, psychological distress and, critically, missed screening appointments and later diagnoses.

This has clear implications for cancer outcomes. Research indicates that individuals who feel judged or dismissed because of their weight may be less likely to attend breast, cervical or bowel screening, increasing the risk of cancers being detected at a later stage. The training programme reinforces the message that creating empathetic, person-first healthcare environments is central to cancer prevention and early diagnosis. This work aligns closely with the UK Government’s National Cancer Plan for England, which emphasises prevention, earlier diagnosis and tackling inequalities—priorities that can be enhanced by addressing weight stigma and taking a person-first approach to delivery of healthcare.

The two-hour training, delivered in four modules, explores the incidence and consequences of weight stigma, the complex drivers of weight gain and health inequalities, and practical steps to avoid stigmatising language and behaviours. It also provides guidance on structuring empathetic conversations and making appropriate referrals.

Following a successful pilot in early 2025, HEG is currently delivering the programme to staff from 10 Primary Care Networks in 2025–26, with further cohorts planned across 2026-27. HEG is also working with staff from CMCA’s Cancer Academy on development of an ‘bitesize’ e-learning module on weight stigma awareness for healthcare practitioners, which will be launched in Spring 2026.

“All four modules were very interesting and impactful for myself on my own weight management and how much weight stigma has an impact within healthcare settings. It is something I see everyday in my role and not thought about enough.”

Healthcare Practitioner from Picton PCN, Liverpool

This training programme will be available for commissioning from healthcare organisations outside of Cheshire & Merseyside from April 2026 onwards. To discuss further, please contact: matthew.philpott@heg.org.uk