Standing Up For Yourself On Your Weight Loss Journey
You Deserve Respect and Good Care
First of all, congratulations! You've decided to work on your health and lose weight. That's a big step, and you should feel proud.
Most articles talk about diet plans or exercise routines. But today, let's talk about something just as important: how to stand up for yourself when people don't treat you with respect during your weight loss journey.
When People Don't Understand
You might have done your homework and made a good plan. You're excited to get started! Then suddenly, people - even doctors or family - say things that hurt your feelings or make you feel bad about yourself. Your excitement turns into doubt and sadness.
This happens to many people with weight concerns. But you don't have to just accept it. You can learn to speak up for yourself.
What is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy means learning important information and using it to take part in your own healthcare. It means knowing you deserve respect and good treatment.
There are three kinds of advocacy:
Self-advocacy: Speaking up for yourself
Individual advocacy: When someone else speaks up for you
Societal advocacy: Working to change rules to help many people
Today we're focusing on self-advocacy - giving you tools to stand up for yourself.
Knowledge is Power
The first step in standing up for yourself is learning the facts about weight and health. When you know the truth, you can correct people who say hurtful things.
For example, some family members or friends might think weight is just about "trying harder." When they say things like "just eat less and move more," you can explain that weight is complicated. Many things affect weight - your genes, hormones, environment, medications, and more.
You might say: "Weight isn't just about willpower. It's like many other health conditions that have multiple causes. How would you feel if someone made you feel bad about a health challenge you face?"
Dealing with Healthcare Providers
Most doctors and nurses want to help people. But sadly, some don't understand obesity well. They might make you feel ashamed or talk down to you.
Some patients have had doctors tell them in a mean way that they need to lose weight "or else." This can come from doctors who are themselves overweight or very thin doctors who don't understand what you're going through.
If this happens, you can say: "I came here for help, not judgment. Current science shows that obesity is a complex condition with many causes. I need a doctor who understands this and can offer me respectful, up-to-date care."
If they don't apologize or change their approach, it's okay to find a different doctor. You deserve to be treated with respect and knowledge.
Joining Forces with Others
Once you feel comfortable speaking up for yourself, you might want to help change things for everyone. You can join groups that work to improve care for people with obesity:
ObesityHelp - www.obesityhelp.com
Obesity Action Coalition - obesityaction.org
Obesity Care Advocacy Network - obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com
Remember These Key Points:
Learn about obesity - both the condition itself and the treatments available
Work with caring professionals who know about the latest obesity treatments
Know that you are your best supporter - no one will fight for you better than you can
Good luck on your journey. You deserve respect and good care at every size.
Stay Healthy, Stay Strong!
Dr. Leon Katz
Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine
Sources:
Obesity and Advocacy: A Joint Clinical Perspective and Expert Review from the Obesity Medicine Association and the Obesity Action Coalition - 2024
Carolynn Francavilla Brown. Obesity Pillars
Volume 11, September 2024, 100119. https://bit.ly/3QZ02YZ
This article is for educational purposes only. Please talk with your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
