Cake over Keto: Episode 10 - But my GP keeps telling me to lose weight

Picture this – you have really painful ankle. You’re not sure if you twisted it but you have been resting it when you can, applying ice and popping Neurofen for the last 3 weeks and it’s still no better. You walk into your GP’s room (yeah I know, imagine that!) and take a seat. They ask you how they can help, take a quick history and if you’re’ lucky they might even examine your ankle.

You’re hoping you’re going to be told what’s wrong and how they can help you……what you get is an awkward conversation that goes something like this:

Doc: have you thought about swimming?

Patient: Huh? Umm I don’t really like swimming to be honest….why?

Doc: Well you won’t be able to do much in the gym but I thought swimming could be something good to do for weight loss?

Patient: But my ankle…what do you think is wrong with it?

Doc: There’s likely a lot of pressure on your ankle…..how much do you weigh?

Patient: Oh…I’m not sure……I don’t weigh myself

Doc: Can you just jump on then please and lets see.

Patient: Errr no, I don’t want to do that, I have recovered from an eating disorder you see…

Doc: Oh, right. But you’re obviously OK now. When I know your weight I can put you in for a 12 week weight loss programme, how does that sound?

Patient: But I came in about my ankle…………

Doc: Yes and I really think weight loss is going to help you here. I’ll make an appointment for you to see the nurse as well as she can give you some healthy eating advice.

Patient walks out and doesn’t go back.

This happens far too often. In this episode, Mel shares some situations she’s directly involved with where weight stigma means her family have not being given the treatment they need and deserve. It’s often not intentional but implicit (aka unconscious) bias is rife in healthcare – the only way to change this is (1) become more aware that it exists and (2) take the necessary steps to challenge it! Press PLAY and Mel will reveal the truth and where it comes from and the adverse effects it creates.

Resources:

These were mentioned in this episode and pick n mix.

HAES health sheets for weight neutral care https://haeshealthsheets.com/the-health-sheet-library

Literature on weight stigma in healthcare http://morelove.helpdocsonline.com/weight-stigma-unhealth

Please don’t weigh me cards https://more-love.org/free-dont-weigh-me-cards