Let’s Put An End To Weight Shaming
Body shaming involves humiliating someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body size or shape.
Some believe that making overweight people feel ashamed of their weight or eating habits may motivate them to get healthier.
However, scientific evidence confirms that nothing could be further from the truth. Instead of motivating people, fat shaming makes them feel terrible about themselves, causing them to eat more and gain more weight.
A study from researchers at the University of London found that people with obesity often feel weight-shamed at their GP office, so much so that they sometimes avoid going to appointments.
As a result of feeling shame, the study discovered that many patients would then blame themselves for their condition. It left them feeling humiliated and anxious and made them more likely to overeat.
The study recommends training medical professionals in “non-stigmatizing weight-related communication.” This includes increased education for healthcare students about the complex factors involving regulating body weight and for all healthcare professionals to be more empathetic.
IMPACT OF WEIGHT-SHAMING
Researchers say that weight shaming can act as a barrier to services and treatments that can help patients with obesity – a critical issue given the risk of developing health conditions related to obesity such as:
- Joint and Bone Pain
- Heart Disease
- Sleep Apnoea
- High Blood Pressure
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Depression
360 SURGERY MAKES ALL PATIENTS FEEL WELCOME
Our expert multidisciplinary team in Melbourne are leaders in weight loss. We take time to understand the complexity of your situation and work with you to find ways to help you achieve your goals. 360 SURGERY in Melbourne takes pride in offering you a welcoming, inclusive place to share and discuss your health and weight loss goals.
Talumaa B, Brown A, Batterham RL, Kalea AZ. Effective strategies in ending weight stigma in healthcare. Obesity Reviews. 2022; 23(10):e13494.
