Ethical Considerations for Clinical Work With Fat Clients: Psychologists' Roles

There have been concerns in recent years about use of clinical interventions that center on weight loss as a primary treatment goal for adults with elevated body weights, in light of evidence linking these interventions to adverse physical and mental health outcomes. An appraisal of weight loss-focused treatment efforts through the lens of the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles (2017) has yet to be conducted, though can uncover potential ethical limitations that may arise when this treatment focus is upheld in psychotherapeutic practice. Accordingly, this article first examines the extent to which the prevailing weight loss-focused treatment paradigm aligns with: (a) beneficence and nonmaleficence, (b) fidelity and responsibility, (c) integrity, (d) justice, and (e) respect for people's rights and dignity. Clinical practice implications and applications stemming from a nondieting weight-neutral perspective are then presented for psychologists' consideration as an alternative approach to clinical work with clients who possess larger bodies.