Tag

Weight Bias

All articles tagged with #weight bias

"Exploring the 'Weight-Neutral' Approach: How Doctors are Revolutionizing Clinics"
healthcare2 years ago

"Exploring the 'Weight-Neutral' Approach: How Doctors are Revolutionizing Clinics"

Some doctors are adopting a weight-neutral approach to healthcare, recognizing that focusing solely on weight can lead to misdiagnoses and deter patients from seeking necessary care. The American Medical Association now recommends considering factors beyond body mass index, such as genetics and blood sugar levels, to understand a patient's health. Weight-neutral providers emphasize that the care provided should be the same regardless of a patient's weight, promoting exercise and nutritious food for overall health rather than focusing on weight loss. While weight loss may be appropriate for certain conditions, weight-neutral providers advocate for respectful discussions and individualized treatment options. Critics highlight the limitations of weight loss drugs and emphasize the importance of listening to and addressing the primary health concerns of patients with larger bodies.

Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood: The Hidden Disease Behind Weight Blame
health2 years ago

Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood: The Hidden Disease Behind Weight Blame

A woman from Orlando, Florida, was misdiagnosed by doctors who attributed her symptoms to being overweight and insecure, when in reality she was suffering from lupus, a potentially fatal autoimmune disease. Despite experiencing symptoms like blood clots, rashes, and swollen legs, she was repeatedly told that losing weight would solve her health problems. It took several years and multiple pregnancies before she was finally diagnosed with lupus. The woman has since undergone weight loss therapy, but her symptoms have worsened. She now uses TikTok to raise awareness about lupus and advocate for those with invisible illnesses.

Misdiagnosed and Misjudged: Woman's Weight Blamed for Serious Disease
health2 years ago

Misdiagnosed and Misjudged: Woman's Weight Blamed for Serious Disease

Alexandra Marcela, a 26-year-old woman, was misdiagnosed for years and blamed for her health problems due to her weight before being diagnosed with lupus at age 20. Despite being told that losing weight would solve her issues, her symptoms worsened during her second pregnancy. After undergoing weight loss surgery and losing 145 lbs., her lupus symptoms did not improve. Marcela now shares her story on TikTok to raise awareness about autoimmune diseases and the challenges faced by those with invisible illnesses.

Weight Bias Against Women in the Workplace Leads to Lower Wages
business2 years ago

Weight Bias Against Women in the Workplace Leads to Lower Wages

Women face a weight bias in the workplace that's proving hard to reverse, with heavier women tending to earn less, while men are spared. An increase of 10% in a woman's body mass decreased her income by 6%, on top of the fact that women already earn 20% less on average than men in the U.S. The bias towards people seen as overweight has worsened over time, with social media and the perception that body weight is under one's own control being possible reasons. Female executives can pay a larger pay penalty, with overweight female executives in the top echelons seeing as much as a 16% wage penalty.

The Shocking Reality of Massive Ovarian Tumors and Cysts.
health2 years ago

The Shocking Reality of Massive Ovarian Tumors and Cysts.

A 20-year-old Florida woman who had a protruding stomach since fifth grade was dismissed by doctors who told her to lose weight. After seeing her mom overcome cancer, she went to the doctor and discovered she had a 104-pound tumor on her ovary. She believes her weight was a factor in doctors dismissing her concerns. The tumor had been growing since she started ovulating. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor and is now hopeful for the future. She wants others to know that they should push for answers if they are scared of going to the doctor.