To understand patient perspectives, Verywell Health surveyed 2,016 adults who identify as obese, overweight, or larger-bodied.
The survey explored their weight management experiences and interactions with healthcare providers.
These obstacles can range from an ill-fitting gown to experiences of subtle or overt judgment from providers.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Sometimes, a single negative experience in a medical setting can deter someone from seeking necessary health care.
Its humiliating when doctors refuse to listen to your concerns and disregard you based on how your body looks.
No matter whats actually wrong, the first thing Ill be told is to lose weight.
However, most respondents are either unaware of these drugs or dont use them.
Improving obesity care will require more than introducing novel treatments, the Verywell survey shows.
Thats a short-sighted view, Phelan added.
Its a very stigmatized group that is really poorly treated in societythat includes in the healthcare system and publicly.
These drugs acknowledge that, in some ways, their large body may be the result of biological factors.
No medication works for everyone, however.
Public skepticism also surrounds the long-term safety and tolerability of the GLP-1 drugs.
GLP-1s must be taken perpetually to maintain weight loss.
Some patients may stop taking the drugs because of uncomfortable side effects or poor results.
I dont see [GLP-1s] as this panacea, Stanford said.
I see them as a very useful tool among other tools to treat patients with obesity.
The first branded form was Xenical, joined by Alli in 2007.
1 in 4 survey respondents have either opted out of being weighed or being told their weight.
Weight loss isnt always the answer to a health problem.
Its not something that they want to change, Phelan said.
Harrop added that people can generally gauge their own health pretty well.
Im in a class three obese body right now.
My blood pressure is well managed.
My blood sugar is well managed.
Im an athleteI play competitive volleyball at the university down the street, Harrop said.
If you were to look at my chart, it would say, Erin has obesitythis disease.
Im actually quite a healthy person in a larger body size.
I then lost 80 lb.
Would you want to come and see me if I caused some key in of negative reaction?
Would you trust me as the healthcare provider?
Would you want to come and see me as a follow-up?
Fear of facing repeat stigma and discrimination can stop someone from seeking medical support.
I think were really used to it.
People get used to a tough love message, Phelan said.
This shift in approach aligns with the changing attitudes toward weight, especially among younger generations.
Only 8% of Boomers said the same.
These are skills that fat children are trained out of, because theyre taught to distrust their body.
Theyre taught to rely on calculators and meal plans instead of tuning into their bodys wisdom, Harrop said.
When attempting to dismantle anti-fat bias, Harrop said its not enough to just acknowledge that obesity is multifactorial.
An inclusive health system would tend to them both.
Special thanks toDaphna Harel, PhD, for consultation in survey development and design.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Research analysis byAmanda Morelli.
Story edited byDaphne LeeandAnisa Arsenault.
Art direction by Alice Morgan.
Illustrations by Julie Bang.
Photo composites and visual edits by Amelia Manley and Doan Nguyen.
Additional edits by Mackenzie Price, PhD andShamard Charles, MD, MPH.
