One of the most prevalant sources of fat discrimination is the medical profession itself. Although many studies show fat people are more healthy than thin people, the doctors most of us encounter haven’t read them. They are gripped by fear of THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC!!1! And it shows in the care they give, every time they treat a fat patient’s sore throat, possible ovarian cancer, or sleep disorder with bullying and exhortations to lose weight.
We want doctors who examine our symptoms, not just our fat! More than that, we deserve doctors who are sensitive, tactful, and caring to all their patients, regardless of size.
Wait! Isn’t being fat bad for you? No. No it’s not. Being inactive and eating nothing but crap is bad for you at any size. Being fat is just being fat.
Among the studies that actually do show fat peope having poorer health, it is hypothesized that a major factor is that, even given equal amounts of health insurance, fat people delay going to the doctor–or just don’t go at all until it’s critical–because we don’t want to be shamed.
Fair enough! On this blog, we share the names of doctors we trust, as well as reviews of places we have received less than stellar treatment.
Look for our reviews and recommendations in posts categorized “Care Providers.”
