Stigma

Stigma is common and has serious consequences

1. INCREASE IN EATING DISORDERS
2. AVOIDANCE OR SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
3. ADDITIONAL WEIGHT GAIN
4. AVOIDANCE OF MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS
5. DECREASE IN SELF-VALUE AND SELF-CONFIDENCE
6. VERY NEGATIVE SELF AND BODY IMAGE
7. INCREASED DEPRESSION AND ISOLATION LEADING TO SUICIDE

Practical solutions for healthcare workers

Overcome the idea that one’s weight is under personal control

Accept that obesity is a chronic disease

INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF ONES SELF BY PHYSICIANS and everyone:

Do I have any prejudices about these patients (people) as to their character, their intelligence, their lifestyle?

How am I meeting these patients’ needs?

Am I paying attention? …

COMMUNICATE WITH EMPATHY AND OPENESS

Use motivational interviewing to communicate with the patient

Use appropriate terms like: “an obese patient” and not “an obese”

Ask the patient for permission to talk about their weight

PROVIDE ADAPTED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Chairs without armrests in the waiting room

Wider blood pressure cuff

Scale weighing up to at least 200 kg

IMPROVE THE MEDICAL PRACTICE’S MODE OF OPERATION

Train medical staff to avoid stigma

Weigh the patient in a room out of sight, and after asking permission

IMPORTANT MESSAGES TO INCREASE THE SUCCESS OF BEHAVIOR CHANGE

Emphasize positive behavior changes rather than the need to lose weight, for example:

find solutions with the patient to reduce stress, increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits, etc.

Build self-esteem and self-confidence