In 2023, the American Medical Association is steering away from using BMI (Body Mass Index) as the standard measure for obesity. We now have specialists trained in obesity ready to help patients address this condition, which is becoming increasingly prominent in adults and children. Despite these advancements, a significant stigma around obesity persists, and people who carry extra weight are often viewed as weak, lazy, or lacking self-control.
Confronting the Stigma of Obesity
By Dr. Cristina Rusu, MD
The Ripple Effect of Weight Stigma
The consequences of weight stigma touch more than just healthcare. Overweight children and adolescents often retreat into social isolation, finding comfort in food rather than engaging in group physical activities. This worsens their condition and paves the way for future mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Weight-based discrimination persists in professional settings as well. Overweight employees face being passed over for promotions or leadership roles, not due to a lack of skill or commitment but because of unfounded assumptions about their work ethic and competence.
Healthcare's Progress and Remaining Barriers
In the healthcare setting, the situation is often disheartening. We observe patients avoiding or neglecting preventive care tests, unwilling to step on the scale during doctor visits, and in extreme cases, even forgoing crucial treatments like cancer therapy.
While healthcare has made significant advancements, with many providers adopting more empathetic attitudes toward patients with weight issues, challenges remain. I still hear from patients who avoid certain doctors due to past experiences of feeling judged or being told their weight is the sole cause of their health problems.
Additionally, some of my healthcare colleagues struggling to manage their weight hesitate to counsel patients about diet and exercise. Their reluctance stems from a fear of being judged by their patients, who may be skeptical of receiving lifestyle advice from a provider who is also overweight.
Teamwork in Overcoming the Obesity Stigma
The struggle against obesity and its associated stigma is real. It’s essential for both healthcare providers and patients to work as a team to combat this stigma that is preventing many from receiving the medical care they desperately need for a health issue that continues to worsen. Left untreated, the situation will deteriorate further, leading to additional medical and psychosocial complications. Now is the time to act.