An Open Letter to Your Healthcare Provider
In our practice, clients often share experiences they’ve had while navigating a weight-centric healthcare system (one that focuses on weight). The emphasis on weight in medical care often overshadows an individual’s true health concerns and needs. Part of the support we offer our clients is helping them pursue weight-inclusive care from other members of their healthcare team. A weight-inclusive approach views health and well-being as being multifaceted, and rests on the assumption that every body is capable of achieving health and well-being independent of weight. As part of this effort, we created this letter for folks who are looking for support, but aren’t sure how to approach this topic with their healthcare team.
Everyone is deserving of safe, compassionate, respectful and weight-inclusive care.
You may find this letter helpful if you:
Align yourself with the HAES® principles
Have experienced weight stigma* in a healthcare setting
Are nervous about going to a healthcare appointment for fear of judgement about your body size
Have been told to ‘just lose weight’ or feel your health concerns have been dismissed
Have left previous healthcare visits feeling invalidated or disrespected by your healthcare provider
Experience feelings of shame and blame related to your body
* In our weight-centric healthcare system, sadly it is far too common for folks living in larger bodies to experience weight stigma, which is one of the most common forms of discrimination. Weight stigma is defined as discrimination or stereotyping based on a person’s weight, shape or size.
We are offering so much compassion and care to The Nourish Collective community. We hope this tool helps you feel well supported, and empowers you to advocate for weight-inclusive care. You can download the letter here.
