Walking in a patient's shoes: exercise suit aims to cut weight bias among health students

NCT ID NCT07430891

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, River Falls Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether having health professions students exercise while wearing a weighted suit (simulating obesity) could reduce their weight bias and improve clinical decision-making. 107 students were split into three groups: control, exercise only, or exercise with the simulation suit. Researchers measured changes in implicit and explicit weight bias, empathy, and professional skills over 8 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: obesity simulation suit and treadmill exercise
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward better training methods to reduce weight bias in healthcare.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with 107 students at one university. Results may not apply broadly, and any bias reduction might be short-lived.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Bias, Implicit Weight Prejudice

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION IMPLICIT BIAS WEIGHT BIAS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, Wisconsin, 54022, United States

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