Last Updated on: 12th July 2024, 07:42 am
A new survey commissioned by the Harley Street Health Centre has disclosed that 78% of people who perceive themselves as overweight have avoided visiting a doctor at some point, even when necessary, due to their doctors’ “fatphobic attitudes” towards them.
Respondents shared several complaints, including:
- A dismissive attitude towards their health concerns
- Health issues being dismissed as merely caused by excess weight and not properly investigated
- Health advice limited to weight loss
- Weight management advice being generic and obvious
CEO Alya Shakir commented: “The survey, which was conducted anonymously online, was commissioned after some patients who had been attending the Harley Street Health Centre for health screening and weight management, expressed relief at our approach after previously feeling dismissed and criticised. The findings were very interesting and also very concerning. It is clear that there are significant improvements to be made in the medical field in addressing fatphobic bias.”
Founder of the Harley Street Health Centre, Dr Enam Abood, remarked, “Medical fatphobia keeps patients away, prevents patients seeking the medical support they need in a timely way and prevents the opportunity to counsel and support them with lifestyle improvement.”
Doctors play a critical role in addressing fatphobia in weight management by adopting a compassionate and evidence-based approach. They can begin by recognising their own biases and working actively to eliminate them. It’s essential for doctors to treat each patient as an individual, considering their unique circumstances and health factors, rather than relying solely on weight as a measure of their overall health.
It’s vital for doctors to shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to weight management and consider alternative approaches that prioritise overall well-being rather than just weight. This includes promoting body positivity, encouraging healthy habits such as balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, and addressing underlying health issues.
Moreover, it is important to recognise that most overweight individuals know how to lose weight, suggesting that there are likely physical and emotional underlying complexities requiring attention. Our patients are neither ignorant nor lazy – it’s time the medical field, and especially GPs, did better.
Doctors can establish a safe and supportive environment by fostering open and non-judgemental communication with their patients. It is crucial to listen attentively and validate their concerns, experiences, and feelings.
Doctors can also educate themselves about the complexities of weight and health, as well as the impact of fatphobia, to better understand their patients’ perspectives. By creating an atmosphere of trust and respect, doctors can help patients feel comfortable discussing their health concerns without fear of judgement.”
