How to Handle Weight Talk at the Doctor
Written by Isabel Vasquez RD, LDN
Many people experience fear going to the doctor because of the almost inevitable discussion of weight that will occur.
This is especially true for those in larger bodies.
The anxiety over receiving weight-centric care is not without reason; research has shown how pervasive weight stigma is among medical providers.
In one study, medical students treating patients classified as “ob*se” demonstrated more negative stereotyping, less anticipated patient adherence, worse perceived health, more responsibility attributed for potentially weight-related presenting complaints, and less visual contact towards them.
Related: Does Weight Equal Health?
In another study, dietetics students evaluated the diet quality and health status of patients classified as “ob*se” to be poorer than other patients, despite equivalent nutritional and health information across weight categories. They also anticipated noncompliance.
There are lots more studies that have similar results showing how pervasive weight stigma is amongst medical providers.
With that in mind, it makes sense why individuals in large bodies would be more inclined to avoid doctors’ visits.
It also makes sense why being weighed right as you walk into the office would be an unwelcome experience.
Living in a larger body, having an eating disorder, or being on an intuitive eating journey could certainly deter one from wanting to be weighed at all. That number can hold so much power in our society, and it may be something you’ve even learned to stay away from at home.
Making the brave decision to stop weighing yourself is an important step towards no longer centering that number in your life. However, a doctor’s office might feel like a place where you can’t avoid being weighed.
But did you know that you can, in fact, decline to be weighed?
I do want to acknowledge that for those in large bodies, declining a weight may not erase the weight stigma in that experience. Furthermore, for those from marginalized communities, it may be tough to stand up against authority.
For example, in the Latine community, respecting authority and taking a doctor’s word as law is commonly instilled in us growing up. However, we deserve to have body autonomy and this is an opportunity to exercise that autonomy.
On that note, let’s talk about what you can do! Yes, you CAN decline being weighed at the doctor and steer the conversation away from weight. Here are some ways you can consider doing so:
Decline to be weighed. Simply state, “I’d prefer not to be weighed today” or “Can you please indicate in your notes that I declined to be weighed?”
Share that you’re working with an RD (if you are). When you’re with a doctor, if you are working with a dietitian on intuitive eating and Health At Every Size, you can still say something along the lines of, “I’m actually working with a dietitian already so can we talk about other ways I can improve my health instead of my weight?”
Come prepared with questions to direct the conversation. For example, ask “What can I do in addition to nutrition to reduce my cholesterol?”
Related: Are Nutritionists & Dietitians Covered by Insurance?
Just note that for some medications, you may need to be weighed for the proper dosing. In that case, you can request a “closed weight” meaning you can step on the scale backwards and ask that they not share the number with you and that they cross out the number in any visit summary papers they share with you.
We shouldn’t have to fear going to the doctor, and yet, weight stigma runs rampant among healthcare providers. Know that you do have the opportunity to practice body autonomy and decline being weighed at those visits.
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