Unfortunately, thats not the experience for many people with larger bodies.
Some providers dont give adequate careinstead, they automatically prescribe weight loss.
Katie Tomaschko, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist a contributor at Sporting Smiles.
Multiple studies suggest that doctors have implicit biases regarding patients with larger bodies.
A study published inObesity Reviewsfound that doctors spent 28 percent less time with overweight patients.
These studies dont address the clear emotional and psychological impact that medical biases have on patients.
Kara Richardson Whitely is a national expert on extended sizes and author of Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds.
As a result of explicit biases and poor treatment, overweight patients may avoid going to the doctor.
In turn,their health is compromisedand thats unfairly blamed on their weight.
Ultimately, dealing with fatphobia in healthcare tweaks can be exhausting, but there are signs.
Three red flags that indicate your provider might hold weight bias
1.
Not asking about this is a red flag.
Registered dietitians are seeing problems of chronic dieting in droves.
Your mental health is important and doesnt need to be sacrificed for weight loss.
However, it can also be frustrating when youre healthy and your doctor prescribes weight loss, anyway.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Kara Richardson Whitely is a national expert on extended sizes and author of Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds.
Landry recommends being proactive when you might.
If it applies, sharing a history of eating disorders or disordered eating may be helpful.
This can help professionals stay on task and give you the help youre seeking, she says.
Youre also allowed to set boundaries during the appointment.
You deserve effective, inclusive, and thoughtful treatment.
Lastly,advocate for yourselfand your beliefs.
Landry recommends reaching out to people who get it.
(If you dont have any friends who understand, theres always Reddit and Facebook groups!)
Tomaschko suggests doing anything that makes you feel good.
Finally, Whitely stresses the importance of therapyespecially with a fat-positive provider.
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