How Weight Bias Can Show Up at the Doctor’s Office

Recognizing weight bias is the first step to overcoming it. Bias in healthcare settings can be explicit, such as direct comments or assumptions said to you by your HCP, or implicit, reflected in unconscious attitudes and behaviors your HCP may not even realize they are doing. Both forms can influence care, often in ways that are hard to recognize.⁴ Here are some ways biases could show up during a doctor’s visit:

• Assumptions about willpower: Negative stereotypes about people with obesity persist among some HCPs.² These providers may assume that weight is simply a matter of personal discipline, ignoring the real science behind obesity, which shows that genetics, biology, and environment play a major role in body weight.^3,5
• One-size-fits-all solutions: You may hear “eat less, move more” without having explored other weight-management options appropriate for your individual needs. Other treatment options, such as medications or surgery for appropriate patients in conjunction with diet and exercise, are sometimes not offered due to bias or lack of knowledge.^6,7
• Dismissive interactions: If it feels like your provider isn’t fully engaged – maybe there’s less eye contact, or a rushed conversation without much time for questions – you may not be imagining it. Sometimes, bias can lead to shorter appointments, less thorough explanations, or your concerns being brushed aside. This can happen when providers, often without realizing it, make assumptions about people with obesity or overweight.²
• Weight-centered care: Regardless of the reason for a doctor’s visit, some HCPs tend to focus primarily on weight loss as the sole solution for your condition, which may not always be the case. This in turn can delay diagnosis and treatment of the true underlying health issue.^8-10
• Non-inclusive facilities: Exam rooms that lack appropriately sized gowns, sturdy chairs, or accessible equipment can create feelings of shame, discomfort, and exclusion – even before a conversation begins.¹¹
• Compounded bias: For Black and Hispanic patients and others from marginalized communities, weight bias often overlaps with discrimination related to race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Healthcare professionals may make assumptions based on cultural stigmas or stereotypes, which can affect the quality of care and lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding. These biases can result in less individualized treatment, overlooked health concerns, and additional barriers to receiving respectful, effective care. This can make it even harder for people in these communities to get the support and outcomes they need.^10,12

Why It Matters: The Impact of Weight Stigma

The consequences of weight bias in healthcare extend far beyond uncomfortable appointments. If you don’t feel respected or understood by your doctor, it could create real barriers to getting effective care. You might avoid appointments, put off important screenings, or leave feeling like your weight and health concerns weren’t truly heard. This can mean missing out on timely treatment and support for long-term conditions.¹³

These experiences can also make open communication with your provider more difficult, leaving you less likely to share symptoms or concerns.³ Legitimate health concerns may be overlooked with the focus remaining solely on weight loss.^8,9 Over time, this can erode trust in healthcare providers and may lead to even more avoidance of medical care, ultimately resulting in poorer long-term outcomes – regardless of the condition.^3,4

How to Advocate for the Care You Deserve

Becoming an active participant in your healthcare is the first step in transforming your experience. This means staying informed, speaking up, and clearly communicating your needs. By doing so, you can work alongside your provider to find the right options for you.

Here are some practical steps to help you advocate for the respectful, personalized care you deserve:

1. Come prepared with talking points: During your next visit, focus on what matters to you. Consider discussing what your weight is holding you back from doing or concerns you have about your health. You can also ask questions about your BMI.

1. Find the right HCP partner: Seek out providers who treat you with compassion, take time to listen to your goals, and offer solutions based on your individual needs. You have the right to switch doctors if you don’t feel comfortable or respected.

1. Speak up: If you hear insensitive language or feel dismissed, it’s okay to say something. For example: “I’d like to focus on my overall health, not just my weight.” You can also request things you need to feel comfortable, like a larger gown or a sturdy chair.

1. Bring support: Attending appointments with a friend or family member can help you feel more confident – and help make sure your concerns are heard.