These videos were are from Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. Given that these videos accurately depict interactions that often occur between obese patients and clinicians I have decided to post them. As bias has been linked to binge eating, talking about bias is essential.
Confronting clinicians who engage in this behavior is your right. It lets the clinician know about their behavior, and empowers you as a patient. Insist upon gowns that fit, comfortable waiting room furniture, scales that accommodate your size and that your blood is taken correctly with a proper sized cuff. After all, this is supposed to be a monitor of your health and medication is adjusted based on these numbers!
Pediatric obesity is a topic of great concern due to increasing prevalence. Of note, bullying and teasing can have lifelong ramifications and effects on a child's self esteem, desire to learn and job prospects. In the video, we learn that 3 year old children prefer not to have an overweight friend; that is clear sign of a weight obsessed society. It is time now to think about what we are going to teach our children about weight, body image, and how to love themselves. Hint: it has nothing to do with paying them to lose weight.
Feel free to submit your stories and speak out against discrimination. Don't attempt to mask your feelings with food.
Lastly, do not allow the airlines new policy of requiring the purchase of an extra seat affect job performance. Getting passed over at the workplace is discrimination and it must be pursued.
To learn more, see the following references:
Puhl, R. M., Heuer, C. A. (2009). The Stigma of Obesity: A Review and Update. Obesity (Silver Spring), 17(5), 941-64.
Roehling MV. Weight-based discrimination in employment: psychological and legal aspects. Personnel Psychol 1999;52:969–1017.
Harvey EL, Summerbell CD, Kirk SFL, Hill AJ. Dietitians’ views of overweight and obese people and reported management practices. J Hum Nutr Diet 2002;15:331–347.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/overweight_obesity.html
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