Weight stigma and healthcare
Have you ever felt like your doctor treated you differently or made unfair assumptions about you because of your weight?
During a medical visit a doctor and I were discussing my weight, and he blurts out oh you're obese and I mentioned I'd just lost 20+pds & he states well you were morbidly obese. I thought to myself well that was insensitive. That sounded stigmatizing
Twenty pounds is a significant weight loss. You needed and deserved encouragement, not further stigmatizing. It was most definitely insensitive and I'm sorry you had to face that. I hope you have since found a new and more supportive doctor. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member) Yes, I'm even in a different state. Also, this was maybe a decade ago. Nonetheless, not cool. Thanks for the support Lori
I met with a new doctor after moving to a new city. During the initial appointment, this doctor ordered some blood work. She informed me that required fasting. She was typing in her computer, stops, looks up and says very loudly, "That means NO EATING." I'm in my late 40s and know exactly what fasting means; I also know that comment and others she made were not appropriate nor professional. I was moved to another doctor in that practice and he took the first appointment to sell his fitness program at a local gym. Needless to say, I did not return to that practice EVER and filed a complaint against the first doctor.
You have a right to be respected and be seen as more than being overweight! I get it... we are often shamed for being overweight whether it's at the grocery store or at the doctor's office. You don't have to put up with it. If you can't say something directly to the doctor, leave that practice, file a complaint with patient services, be your own advocate!
I am really glad to hear you filed a complaint. I hope it made a difference. You certainly didn't deserve that kind of treatment. Are you happy with your current doctor? Warm wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
When I look at my summary of my visit and see my weight today and then see a goal weight of 125 pounds at 5’5”. Give me a goal of loosing 20-25 pounds and then take it from there. Usually discouraged before I even try.
I hear you,
. It took me a long time to push those unrealistic goals out of my mind and start setting smaller, more achievable goals of my own. I hope you are soon able to do that as well. We're here for you whenever you need us. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
No
That's great to hear! It sounds like your doctor is a keeper. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member) Yes, she is Lori, thanks
