Weight stigma and healthcare
Have you ever felt like your doctor treated you differently or made unfair assumptions about you because of your weight?
When I was about 15 years old my then doctor said to me " you are way to fat". He also was a man of heavy stature. He didn't give me any health tips or advise on things that I could do differently. Oddly enough...I thought I was fine until that very moment. Although I could have stood to loose 20 pounds his comment made me super insecure and contributed to my unhealthy relationship with food.
I wish more adults understood how damaging words like that can be. My heart goes out to you. I wish your younger self could have had the life experience you have now and wouldn't have taken those words so seriously. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
Yes, I always hate that part. If I'm going in for a hang nail, you dont need to weigh me 🙄. They should know by now its a hard thing to face or even discuss openly as an obese person. I know what I need to do, should do, yada yada yada and dont need the constant reminder. Yes its their job and what they get pd to do and care about BUT if I could do it on my own and just diet successfully, I wouldn't be in this situation. Weightloss isnt addressed as an illness that no matter the amount of willpower to stop, I cant. If I can, I dont know how to stay stopped. It needs to be looked it from the understanding of alcoholism. Its not the particular substance. Its my insane thinking that got me here 🤔
I am not seeing a food therapist, although I'm in counseling but I am receiving the necessary help i need. Its making a tremendous difference! That's great to hear! - Lori (Team Member)
Yes
After pointing out to my doctor that according to my online records with her office that I have gained 20 lbs. in the two years that I have been seeing her, she seemed puzzled by my request for a weight-loss consultation at my next appointment. At that appointment, she did her usual checks and renewed my meds. When I asked her about weight-loss strategies, she told me to "eat less and exercise more". My previous doctor had put me on a daily calorie intake of 1200-1500. It' hard to eat less that that! I also have permanent bilateral sciatica due to arthritis, which makes many exercises difficult. This doctor has only seen me walk from one side of the office to the other, during exams. I use a cane for balance, and she has also told me that I am "too young to need a cane". I feel a real lack of connection with her as compared to my previous doctor, who retired.
Hi
. I can see why you're frustrated. Here you are, doing the right thing, trying address the weight gain before it gets out of hand, and you are ignored. I know it can be emotionally taxing to find new doctors, especially since you only recently started with this doctor, but maybe it's time to switch again. I've had great success calling doctors' offices and asking the staff whisch doctor is the most compassionate and communicative. They tend to be honest about it. I have found my favorite doctors that way. You need and deserve better care. Warm wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
