When Arielle Schultz started med school last fall, she immediately foundanti-fat biasbaked into her lessons.
Here, experts explain the basis for weight-inclusive health careand how to get it for yourself.
But the goal is the same: divorcing health from weight.
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But weight-inclusive medicine emphasizes that correlation doesnt imply causation.
The evidence that higher body weight is thecauseof illness is very poor quality, Dr. Erlanger explains.
When someone believes that regain is their fault, they may give a shot to shrink their body again.
Fat people especially may notice immediate differences in their care under a weight-inclusive provider.
Thats not to say your weight isneveryour doctors business.
And every physician SELF spoke with for this story identified at least one such example.
These conversations might be difficult, especially if youve experiencedmedical weight biasin the past.
But finding a provider you trust can go a long way toward easing some of that anxiety.
So how do I find a weight-inclusive doctor?
For online word-of-mouth recs, Chastain suggests reading reviews via ZocDoc or Google.
(Fat-positiveFacebook groupsandsubredditscan also be great resources for firsthand accounts.)
Reading that kind of story in a review might save you from the same fate.
Chastain recommends contacting a practice or office in advance, which you’re able to do anonymously.
Is there someone in this practice who can do that?
When you meet the doctor in person, keep the questions coming.
Dr. Williams suggests asking, Would you feel comfortable caring for me if weight was not a central theme?
The answers to these types of queries can give you an idea of what to expect down the line.
you’re able to also ask: What are my options if I prefer not to be weighed?
Even if the weight is required by policy, it is not legally required, Dr. Erlanger says.
And its not required for you to get insurance coverage.
If the doctor is beloved, thats a good sign that they have a sense of curiosity and compassion.
Online reviews and website language can also be helpful indicators of a doctors style and general vibe.
In short, temperament can make all the difference.
An advocate can be helpful, especially if the physician doesnt get it right away, Dr. Erlanger says.
