The Hidden Cost of Weight Stigma (and how to get the health care you deserve)

Have you ever felt dismissed or judged in a medical setting simply because of your body size? Weight stigma in healthcare is a real issue that can leave many feeling unheard, frustrated, or even avoiding medical care altogether. In this week’s blog, I’m sharing how weight-focused approaches can affect your health and eating behaviours and some empowering tips to help you advocate for the inclusive care you deserve.

What is Weight Stigma?

Weight stigma refers to the biased and often negative treatment of people based on their body size, especially those in larger bodies. This stigma not only enforces harmful stereotypes but also impacts individuals emotionally, mentally, and physically. Unfortunately, weight stigma is present in many areas of life, including media, workplaces, education, and, notably, healthcare.

A common misconception about weight is that it reflects our personal choices and willpower, suggesting that losing weight is a simple matter of "eating less and moving more." However, research consistently shows that weight is influenced by numerous factors, including genetics, metabolism, and social determinants of health. When healthcare providers focus primarily on weight, it can lead to unhelpful or even harmful health interventions.

weight stigma in healthcare

Studies show that weight stigma is linked to increased stress and increased calorie consumption, binge eating, and the development of eating disorders​. Instead of promoting healthy behaviours, weight-based discrimination can trigger avoidance of healthcare settings altogether, preventing individuals from seeking the support they need. This demonstrates how weight stigma can lead to worse health outcomes, from unmanaged conditions to late-stage diagnoses in addition to affecting the mental well-being of an individual.

In fact, a 2018 research paper concluded that “weight stigma is particularly prevalent and detrimental in healthcare settings, with documented high levels of ‘anti-fat’ bias in healthcare providers, patients with obesity receiving poorer care and having worse outcomes.”

Though medical professionals are well intentioned and do incredible work, there is a growing body of evidence of the presence of weight stigma within the health care setting

Many of my clients describe encountering this prejudice regularly in healthcare settings. Unsolicited weight-loss advice, along with judgements made about their lifestyle and symptoms dismissed as simply due to their weight, are common experiences.  Many patients report that their medical concerns are overlooked because healthcare providers focus on weight instead of investigating their actual symptoms.

Unfortunately, this discrimination runs deep within our culture. Addressing weight stigma requires action from governments and policymakers to bring about meaningful change. Meanwhile, I and others will continue to raise awareness and advocate in any way we can, in the hope that our voices contribute to lasting change.

How to protect yourself from weight stigma in Healthcare Settings

It’s important to remind yourself that you deserve respectful, fair and equal treatment from all healthcare providers. You are the expert on your own body, and advocating for your needs is both your right and a powerful way to ensure you receive the best possible care. Here are some strategies:

• Redirect the Focus: Politely but confidently remind providers that you’re focused on specific health concerns, not weight loss. For example, "I’d like to discuss my symptoms directly and explore treatments that focus on pain management."

• Request Evidence-Based Approaches: If weight loss is suggested, ask if there’s evidence supporting this intervention for your specific condition. For example, "Can you share research showing that weight loss alone will address my symptoms effectively?"

• Set Boundaries Around Weighing: You have the right to refuse non-essential weigh-ins. Try saying, "I prefer not to be weighed unless it’s medically necessary for treatment."

• Use Response Cards: Prepare statements you feel comfortable using in appointments. Examples include, "I practice healthy behaviours regardless of my weight" or "I’d prefer if we focus on treatments that support my health goals without a weight focus."

Reflect on Your Experience with Self-Compassion

Experiencing weight stigma in healthcare can be painful. It’s essential to acknowledge that weight stigma is a systemic issue, not a personal failure. Offer yourself kindness and understanding and remember that your worth and health are not defined by your body size. For extra support, join our Food Freedom Collective Facebook community - a space for support, compassion and to share experiences.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and you’re eating without shame or judgment, my bestselling book 📕 The Binge Freedom Method™ takes you through the exact framework that I use with my clients to create a lasting, balanced relationship with food and your body.

You can also download my Breaking the Cycle Toolkit straight away for FREE,  which includes key steps designed to help you reconnect with your appetite cues and begin taking small, practical steps toward food freedom.