What patients with obesity wish you knew; Insights from those who are overweight or obese

Ever wondered what individuals living with obesity wish healthcare professionals knew about their experiences?

With obesity affecting a significant portion of the population and leading to negative experiences in healthcare settings, understanding their perspective is crucial. How can healthcare professionals better support and empathise with patients with obesity?

Obesity is a prevalent chronic condition, impacting a large percentage of adults and children globally. Despite its multifaceted causes, stigma and misinformation surrounding obesity persist, particularly in healthcare settings. Many individuals with obesity report instances of judgment or unkind comments related to their weight, exacerbating health issues and discouraging healthcare-seeking behaviour.

To shed light on these experiences, I asked my clients living with obesity what they wished other healthcare professionals (HCP) knew to improve their experience.

Here’s what they shared:

1. Understanding and Kindness: “I know I am a bigger person, and ‘usual care’ isn’t often designed for me. Some HCPs see me as more difficult to treat due to my size.” People living with obesity may already be critical of themselves. It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to be kind and avoid judgmental language. HCPs should develop procedures and skills to offer dignified care to those with obesity, ensuring their language is non-judgemental and professional.
2. Sensitive Weight Measurement: “Asking my weight or to measure my weight can be triggering.” Healthcare professionals should consider whether weighing a client is necessary for the care provided. If so, they should explain the necessity to the client, address privacy concerns, and inquire whether the client wants to know their weight.
3. Equipment Suitability and Sensitivity: “If my size means I don’t fit the equipment or supplies available, don’t make me feel like I am the problem.” Healthcare professionals should affirm that equipment inadequacies are not the patient’s fault. Understanding the safe working load or size of equipment is crucial, along with establishing processes for caring for those with obesity.
4. Focus on Presenting Issue: “If I come to see you for another issue, treat that issue, not my weight.” Complete assessments and provide treatments as usual, treating the patient with obesity as you would any other. If the patient is willing to discuss their weight, approach the topic sensitively and without blame, offering realistic treatment options such as referral to an obesity specialist.

By understanding and addressing these considerations, healthcare professionals can create a more supportive and inclusive healthcare environment for individuals with obesity. This approach improves patient outcomes, fosters trust, and encourages individuals to seek the care they need.

If you’re a healthcare professional or healthcare service provider seeking to improve your skills and capability in providing care for individuals with obesity check out our offerings or contact us to see where we can work together to improve healthcare experiences for overweight and obese clients. We’re here to help you make a positive difference in the lives of your patients.