I Went to My Doctor with My Arm Fallen Off… And They Told Me to Go on a Diet
While the comic strip is hilarious (because it’s ridiculous), it’s not far from some of the experiences my patients have shared. I’ve had powerful conversations with patients about their journeys navigating healthcare in a larger body, and the stories I’ve heard have been both heart-breaking and eye-opening.
One patient shared her experience with a specialist for endometriosis. The doctor never made eye contact and told her the only way to improve her symptoms was to lose weight or have a baby, despite being only 20 years old. She had already been trying to lose weight but was given no support on how to do it. This left her feeling dismissed and hopeless, and she avoided healthcare for ten years until she was eventually hospitalised.
Another patient told me about her mother, who, after years of belittling experiences in the healthcare system, stopped seeking treatment altogether when medications caused side effects. When antibiotics for chronic kidney infections upset her stomach, she stopped taking them instead of seeking alternatives. The infection eventually spread, and she passed away. Had she felt safe enough to voice her concerns and say, “These aren’t working for me,” her story might have been different.
These are just some of the ways weight stigma impacts healthcare experiences, sometimes with devastating consequences. To challenge this, one woman shared that she always asks her healthcare provider: “Is this the same treatment you would recommend for your own mother?” Another asks if it’s the same treatment they’d give to slimmer patients. I believe these questions shift the focus to best practices, encouraging clinicians to think beyond appearance and apply the same standard of care to everyone.
Over time, many of my patients have learned to advocate for themselves, but the reality is that seeking medical help can still feel unsafe. This should never be the case. Every patient deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and the best possible care, regardless of their size.
I want healthcare providers to develop the skills to assess and support patients towards good health, not just by body size but by overall health. It’s essential to respect a patient’s choice to live at the body size they choose. If a patient wishes to pursue weight loss, healthcare providers should recommend evidence-based strategies to support that goal. Ultimately, it’s about delivering individualised care that takes the whole person into account.
Professional Development Resources:
If you’re a healthcare provider looking to enhance your skills in providing equitable care to patients of all body sizes, I encourage you to check out the following professional development opportunities:
- World Obesity Federation SCOPE Training – Learn how to offer a comprehensive approach to obesity management and care.
- Melbourne University Obesity Management Training – A well-rounded program for those looking to expand their understanding and support of patients living with obesity.
- Professional Development with Laneways – Access tailored training and guidance to enhance your ability to support patients of all sizes.
By investing in your own education, we can collectively shift healthcare toward better, more inclusive practices for everyone.
