If you have obesity, you may feel as if the doctor’s office is a place of judgment, not support, which can, understandably, make you hesitant to seek medical care.
One survey found nearly 26 percent of women with obesity delayed seeking care, and more than 12 percent avoided or canceled appointments, often due to prior negative or stigmatizing interactions.
“If you’re concerned that someone is going to call you out on your weight, that’s going to keep you from coming in, because nobody wants to feel embarrassed,” says John Morton, MD, MPH, medical director of bariatric surgery and an obesity medicine specialist at Yale New Haven Health System in Connecticut.
But you have more power over this bias than you think. Here’s how to advocate for the care you deserve and feel more empowered at your next visit.
Weight bias is not only hurtful, but can also be harmful. Research shows weight bias among healthcare providers can influence decision-making, leading to concerns being dismissed or attributed solely to weight. This can result in shorter visits, less thorough evaluations, and a high risk of missed or delayed diagnoses.Weight bias can affect someone’s mental health, as well. Weight stigma, which is when bias is expressed, is linked to increased stress and a broader negative impact on well-being.Over time, these experiences can lead people to delay or avoid care altogether, creating a cycle where health concerns may go unaddressed and potentially worsen.
A little preparation can go a long way in helping you feel more confident and in control during your next checkup. Use these tips to better communicate your needs and preferences:
Prep notes beforehand. Jot down your main questions or concerns, and bring the list with you to your appointment. That way, even if the conversation gets derailed, you won’t forget to bring up your most pressing issues.
Redirect the conversation as needed. If the discussion does shift away from what brought you into the doctor in the first place, don’t hesitate to reel it in and refocus.
Set boundaries around weight discussions. Let your doctor know if you prefer not to discuss your weight unless it’s directly relevant to the reason you made an appointment.
Request a blind weigh-in. If being weighed is triggering for you, “You can request that it be done in a private fashion,” says Dr. Morton. This may mean stepping on the scale backward or requesting that it be written in your chart but not read out loud.
Bring in reinforcements. Ask a trusted friend or family member to come with you to your appointment. They can help you feel more at ease and be another advocate on your behalf.
Even with the best preparation, you may still encounter weight bias in healthcare. If you continue to feel that your concerns are being reduced to your weight, instead of being properly evaluated, it may be time to find a healthcare provider who takes a more respectful approach. No one should make you feel dismissed, judged, or unheard. After all, treating obesity should be a team approach.
You can start the process of finding a new doctor by visiting patient advocacy organizations, such as the Obesity Action Coalition, or looking for physicians who are certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, which provides specific education on weight stigma and bias.
Many people with obesity avoid or postpone checkups due to weight bias and negative past experiences.
Weight bias isn’t just hurtful. It may also have consequences for your physical and mental health.
Preparing for appointments, setting clear boundaries, and seeking out respectful providers can help you advocate for your health and receive more equitable care.
