Finding Your Voice: Advocating for Your Health at Doctor’s Appointments

When you are living with a health condition like obesity, it can be a challenge to get the right care you need. Finding your voice and advocating for yourself in the healthcare space is powerful. It helps you get the best care.

Understanding obesity as a disease

For many years, people thought of obesity as a lifestyle choice. They believed it was about a lack of willpower. But science shows us a very different story. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease.^1,2

In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) recognized it as a disease. This change in thinking was a big step. It means obesity is not a person’s fault. It is a health condition that needs medical treatment and care.²

Thinking of obesity as a disease helps you change how you talk about it. Instead of saying, "I just need to lose weight," you can say, "I am managing a chronic disease called obesity." This simple change helps you and your doctor focus on real treatment. It helps you look at all the factors. These can include genetics, hormones, and your environment.³

Talking about your health and complications

Obesity is often linked to other health problems. These are called comorbidities. They can include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is important to talk about these with your doctor. They are not separate problems. They are all connected.⁴

When you go to your appointment, be ready to share information. Think about what you want to talk about before you go. Write down your symptoms and note any health concerns you may have.

For example, you can say, "I am concerned about my blood pressure. I know it is connected to my obesity." This helps your doctor see the full picture. It shows them you are informed about your health.

Recognizing and pushing past medical bias

If you are someone with obesity, one of the biggest hurdles you might face is weight bias. Weight bias is a type of prejudice where a person is judged unfairly because of their body size. It is a form of discrimination, and it can show up anywhere – at work, in school, in social groups, and even in healthcare.^5,6

This bias pushes the false idea that a person's weight is simply their own fault. It completely overlooks the fact that obesity is a complex health condition. The causes are far more than just personal choices. They include a mix of genetics, hormones, where you live, and your financial situation.^5,6

Sometimes doctors might blame all of a patient's health problems on their weight. They might not listen to your concerns. They may just tell you to lose weight. This can feel very frustrating and discouraging, and it can affect the quality of care.

Recognizing bias

Recognizing medical bias is the first step. If you feel like your doctor is not listening, you can try to redirect the conversation.

For example, if you have knee pain and your doctor says, "Your knees would feel better if you lost weight," you can respond with, "I understand that weight loss may help. But can we also talk about other treatment options for my knee pain today?" This helps you take back control of the conversation.

Getting a second opinion

It is okay to get a second opinion. If your doctor is not a good partner in your health care, you can find a new one.

Look for a doctor who specializes in obesity medicine. These doctors have special training. They understand obesity as a disease. They can offer a wider range of treatments beyond diet and exercise. These can include medications and surgery.

Creating a collaborative partnership

The best doctor-patient relationships are partnerships. You and your doctor should work together as a team. You are the expert on your body. Your doctor is the health expert. By working together, you can make the best health decisions that work for you.

Before your appointment, write down a list of questions. For example:

• What are all of my treatment options for obesity?
• How can we address my high blood pressure and my obesity together?
• What lifestyle changes should I be making to support my health?

Ask about all possibilities. This includes lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical options. Remember, your goal is to get the best care for your health. Being informed, prepared, and assertive can make a world of difference. And finding your voice is a brave and vital step toward a healthier life.