Up to 42% of persons with a BMI of ≥35 kg/m² have experienced weight discrimination, with women experiencing higher rates than men. Weight stigma, or weight discrimination, is the devaluing of a person because of their weight/body size as well as the negative misconceptions associated with increased weight.

An international joint consensus raised concerns that patients with obesity are often unfairly treated in healthcare settings, with many HCPs holding negative beliefs about obesity and many failing to deliver compassionate care. Weight stigma negatively impacts the quantity and quality of health care by reinforcing the false belief that those with obesity have moral flaws of character.

Fear of being judged by their HCP can result in patient harm because they are less likely to seek care. Paradoxically, exposure to weight stigma can result in their unwillingness to be physically active or avoid it altogether, increase sedentary behaviors, and heighten their risks of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. It can also affect linkage to care, particularly cancer screening.

HCPs may use oversimplified language that minimizes the complexity of chronic weight management. Such a reductionist approach can deprioritize patient concerns, resulting in lower adherence.

Instead, a collaborative approach is crucial so that patients feel they have control of—rather than being blamed for—their health. Experts suggest using a person-centered approach to weight-based discussions that involve behavioral-based, multicomponent interventions and, if those interventions are unsuccessful, adjunct pharmacotherapy or surgery.

How do you promote collaboration and empathy to frame a more patient-centric approach when treating patients who are overweight or obese?