Abstract
IntroductionWeight stigmatization, a common phenomenon in the healthcare system, exerts numerous adverse consequences on patients' wellbeing. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of weight stigmatization in Israel, based on the reports of overweight and obese individuals.MethodsThis study was performed by distribution of a cross-sectional open anonymous survey in social media platforms, targeting respondents with body mass index over 25 kg/m2. The questionnaire consisted of Likert-scale based as well as open-ended questions, evaluating the experience during past medical appointments. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of disrespectful treatment. Subgroup analysis was performed by various demographic characteristics.ResultsOf the 1697 respondents, 59.0% reported frequent experiences of disrespectful approach, and 48.6% noted receiving suboptimal treatment related to excess weight. Insulting, insensitive and judgmental comments were noted by 58%, stemming from diverse healthcare disciplines, while 29.3% noted office equipment not suitable for overweight people. Avoidance of a needed medical appointment was reported by 40.5%, significantly associated with past adverse experiences of weight stigmatization in the healthcare system. The respondents offered numerous suggestions to improve the existing situation, including education of the medical personnel, thorough research of obesity, and establishment of specific guidelines for approach to patients with excess weight.ConclusionWeight stigmatization is prevalent in Israeli healthcare system; thus, decreasing the rates of this phenomenon should be an important national goal. Formal education about the wide prevalence and adverse effects of weight stigmatization should be practiced by academic institutions, professional organizations, and regulatory bodies. Straightforward policies with continuing supervision should be endorsed by the healthcare system to prevent weight-based discrimination. Finally, appropriate-size equipment for obese patients should become one of the requirements for accreditation of medical centers and facilities.
Highlights
Weight stigmatization, a common phenomenon in the healthcare system, exerts numerous adverse consequences on patients’ wellbeing
Fifty eight percent of the responders have responded to the statement “During medical appointments I have experienced insulting, insensitive and judgmental approach related to my overweight” as “sometimes/ in most cases/all the time”
Verbal descriptions of examples to insulting or disrespectful approach were inductively coded by the researchers into seven main categories, the most prominent of these was "referral to the overweight as the main issue, causing all other
Summary
A common phenomenon in the healthcare system, exerts numerous adverse consequences on patients’ wellbeing. Weight stigmatization, defined as exhibition of prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory actions towards individuals based solely upon their weight and body size [1], is experienced by about 20–40% of obese individuals [2]. This phenomenon has been documented in numerous settings, including education, employment, and healthcare systems [3]. Healthcare providers allocate less time for medical encounters with overweight and obese patients [6] and report lower respect for these patients [7], negatively affecting patient-centered communication and information giving. It is crucial to investigate the prevalence of weight stigma in various healthcare systems, to define the extent, the nature and the factors associated with this phenomenon, and to introduce measures for its eradication and prevention
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