Centripetal acceleration affects weight differently at the equator and the poles due to the Earth's rotation. At the equator, individuals experience a noticeable reduction in weight because they are in circular motion, requiring a force to maintain that motion. In contrast, at the poles, the effect is minimal since the circular motion around the Earth's axis does not significantly alter weight. The discussion draws parallels to experiences like being on a roller coaster, where centripetal forces are felt during loops. Overall, while centripetal acceleration does influence weight, its impact varies significantly based on geographic location.