In the ongoing war against obesity, there are untold stories of personal battles, emotional scars, and a healthcare system that often exacerbates the problem rather than offering solace and solutions. Our members at the Seniors Discount Club have lived through decades of changing health narratives, and many can attest to the shifting attitudes towards weight and health. But what happens when the very institutions meant to heal us cause more harm than good?


Take Hannah's story, for example. After enduring a year of excruciating abdominal pain, she mustered the courage to visit her doctor, only to be met with disdain and judgment. Her pain was trivialised, her concerns dismissed, and her dignity stripped away by a doctor who reduced her to a set of stereotypes: 'Fat, fertile, female and, most likely, flatulent.' It's a stark reminder that the stigma surrounding weight can overshadow medical professionalism and empathy.


Hannah's experience is not an isolated incident. Louise, another woman who faced weight stigma, was shamed during her pregnancy by a midwife who told her she was 'too fat to feel your baby.' Despite gaining only 2.5 kilograms throughout her pregnancy, well within the recommended guidelines, Louise was left feeling powerless and distraught.


These stories are not merely anecdotes; they are part of a larger pattern of weight stigma in medical settings. The ABC's investigation into this issue revealed that more than 100 women felt judged by their size, which in turn affected the standard of care they received. This is not just about hurt feelings; it's about a systemic issue that can lead to misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment, and long-term psychological damage.

Dr Terri-Lynne South, a GP and dietitian specialising in obesity, acknowledges that fat-shaming and weight stigma are 'extremely prevalent' in healthcare. The language used by medical professionals can be damaging, and terms like 'overweight' and 'obese,' while technically accurate, carry a weight of judgment that can discourage patients from seeking help.

The reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) as a health measure is another contentious issue. Developed in the 19th century, BMI is a crude tool that fails to account for individual differences in body composition and health. Fiona Willer, a lecturer in nutrition and dietetics, points out that a patient's weight or BMI is far less interesting and informative than other health indicators, such as blood tests and lifestyle factors.


The Australian Medical Association's response to this issue is cautious, emphasizing the importance of tackling obesity without addressing the stigma that often accompanies it. However, the stories of women like Hannah and Louise highlight the need for a more compassionate and nuanced approach to healthcare.

For our senior members, who may have faced a lifetime of changing health advice and societal attitudes towards weight, these stories may resonate deeply. It's essential to remember that you deserve respectful and individualised care, regardless of your size. If you've experienced weight stigma in a medical setting, know that you're not alone, and it's not your fault.

We encourage our readers to share their experiences and thoughts on this topic. Have you faced judgment based on your weight when seeking medical care? How has it affected your relationship with healthcare providers? Your stories can shed light on this issue and help advocate for a more inclusive and understanding healthcare system.

Let's start a conversation about supporting each other and working towards a healthcare environment that uplifts rather than undermines our well-being.