How does the stigma of obesity impact your self-perception?
Do others' perceptions of you inform how you view your own body? What impact have they had on your experience with obesity?
The stigma of obesity can really impact how you see yourself. People assume you’re lazy or not trying—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
My former primary care doctor used to nitpick with me on a regular basis. He acted as if I didn’t know I was overweight. It’s not like I wasn’t trying to lose weight. I was originally 298 pounds a few years ago and got to 200 so it’s not like I wasn’t trying, but this little man still tried to belittle me and thinking it was going to help me when all it did was caused me to get rid of him as a doctor and seek out someone a little more participatory. I don’t wanna bully for a doctor. And I certainly don’t need scolded at 63 years old.I work hard every day, even with chronic pain, and being medically, disabled due to bone and joint issues, I still managed to do a lot . What people don’t see is the effort it takes just to keep going. It’s not as simple as “eat less and move more,” especially when your body is working against you.
There were times it affected my self-esteem, especially when the scale didn’t move. It felt defeating.
But I’m changing that mindset. What others think of me isn’t my business. They don’t know my story.
I know who I am—and that’s what matters.
I am so glad you ditched that doctor! Too many people allow themselves to remain in those situations. You didn't deserve that. Have you since found a doctor who is more supportive? - Lori (Team Member)
I hate going to a doctor and have them say “you are a big girl you know” yes I know that I am 66 years old no have been up and down all my life! I think I have heard that before or looked in the mirror and saw it myself!
How frustrating. How does your doctor expect you do respond to that? Are you happy with this particular doctor otherwise? - Lori (Team Member)
Doctors keep referring me to nutritionists, as though I my size indicates a lack of understanding of healthy eating. I recently remarked to my PCP (after hearing my A1C had come down a bit) that I had been working on eating more. She automatically corrected me, "You mean better, don't you?", as though I must have misspoken. No. The truth is, I have trouble regularly getting over 1,500 calories.
Many people don't believe I'm a cancer patient, because I'm not emaciated.
The stereotypes, the judgements, are omnipresent, and harsh.Steroids definitely gave me issues! Yeast infections across my belly, back, and down my thighs, and A1C was out of control. So far, my treatment is successful - 2 years left on maintenance. But my lack of appetite makes it difficult to get enough daily calories. It's difficult to remember to eat, or eat enough, when the body doesn't want food. None of my doctors understand that. I'm glad to hear your treatment was successful. If you can just hang in there for two more years, maybe your body, especially your appetite and metabolism. will begin to normalize again after you stop the maintenance medication.
In the meantime, I hope you continue to stand your ground and advocate for yourself. You shouldn't have to educate the doctors, but that can be a sad reality. Maybe you can make things better for the next patient who has similar issues.
Can you stomach smoothies? You can pack a lot of different nutrients and calories into a smoothie, but they can also be hard to swallow when you don't have the appetite for them. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
People have looked at the size of my body and made an immediate judgement. Not just fat but lazy, stupid, not motivated, not competent for the job she's in. I took on many of those perceptions and made them my own for many years.
It really saddens and angers me that people are so quick to judge. They don't know you and they have no right. Have you learned to tune those people out over time? Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
