Weight stigma and sizeism in healthcare refer to the negative attitudes, biases, and discriminatory practices that individuals with larger bodies or higher body weights may face when seeking medical care. These forms of discrimination can significantly negatively impact patients’ physical and mental health and overall healthcare quality.

Here are some key points to consider regarding weight stigma and sizeism in healthcare:

1. Impact on Patients: Patients who experience weight stigma may be less likely to seek medical care or adhere to recommended treatments due to the fear of judgment or mistreatment by healthcare professionals. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and worsened health outcomes.
2. Misdiagnosis and Delayed Care: Healthcare providers may attribute health issues solely to a patient’s weight, potentially overlooking underlying medical conditions. This can result in misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses, which can be harmful or even life-threatening.
3. Psychological Impact: Weight stigma can lead to psychological distress, depression, and anxiety in patients, making it more challenging for them to engage in self-care and maintain their health.
4. Barriers to Healthy Behaviors: Weight stigma can hinder individuals from adopting healthy behaviors. When patients feel judged or ashamed, they may be less motivated to make positive changes in their lifestyle, such as improving their diet or engaging in physical activity.
5. Patient-Centered Care: Healthcare should be patient-centered, focusing on individualized care plans that consider a patient’s unique needs and circumstances rather than solely focusing on weight as a determinant of health.

An example of weight bias – multiple healthcare providers saw me for a bad back, and I was given a treatment plan and medication based on my symptoms, and not once did they mention my size or weight. Recently, a client of mine was seen by her PCP for back pain. She was immediately dismissed and was told it was due to her weight, and her treatment plan was weight loss. What???!! I, of course, was fuming! People of all sizes suffer from back pain for many different reasons. Back pain is not something that only happens in fat bodies. 

How can you advocate for yourself on weight bias in the Medical Setting?

Advocating for yourself in the face of weight bias in healthcare is vital for receiving equitable and respectful treatment. Here are some steps you can take to advocate for yourself effectively:

1. Educate Yourself: Gain a thorough understanding of weight stigma, its impact on healthcare, and your rights as a patient. Knowledge is a powerful tool in advocacy.
2. Choose Your Healthcare Provider Wisely: Seek out healthcare providers known for their respectful and non-judgmental approach to patients of all sizes. Ask for recommendations from friends, support groups, or online communities.
3. Speak Up: If you encounter weight bias or feel judged during a healthcare appointment, consider addressing it politely but firmly. You can say, “I appreciate your concern, but I’d like to focus on the reason for my visit today,” or “I prefer to discuss my health concerns without any judgment based on my weight.”
4. Express Your Preferences: Make your preferences known when discussing weight-related topics. You can say, “I would like to discuss my health concerns without any focus on my weight,” or “Can we talk about my health in a way that doesn’t center around my weight?”
5. Request Respectful Language: Politely ask your healthcare provider to use non-stigmatizing language when discussing your health. 
6. Bring a Support Person: Consider bringing a friend or family member to healthcare appointments who can advocate for you and provide emotional support.
7. Document Your Experiences: Record instances of weight bias or discrimination, including dates, names of healthcare providers, and specific comments or actions. This documentation can be helpful if you decide to file a formal complaint.
8. Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel you are not receiving appropriate care or are being dismissed due to your weight, consider seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider.
9. Seek Support: Connect with support groups, online communities, or advocacy networks focusing on weight bias and sizeism in healthcare. Sharing experiences and strategies with others can provide valuable support and guidance.

Recognizing and addressing weight bias and weight stigma is essential to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. It’s vital to promote body positivity, acceptance, and respect for individuals of all body sizes and shapes and to challenge harmful stereotypes and biases that perpetuate discrimination based on weight.

Remember that advocating for yourself in the face of weight bias can be challenging, but it’s a crucial step toward ensuring that you receive fair and respectful healthcare. Your experiences and efforts can contribute to positive change for yourself and others facing similar challenges. 

The BBN team practices from a Health at Every Size approach and assists our clients in setting boundaries around sizeism.