Overcoming the Struggle to Convince My Doctor I Had a Disease: The Judgment, Denial of Care, and Ridicule of Obesity

For individuals seeking care and support for obesity, the journey is often fraught with obstacles, ranging from judgment and denial of care to outright ridicule.

Photo by Reba Spike on Unsplash

Overcoming the Struggle to Convince my Doctor I had a Disease: The Judgment, Denial of Care, and Ridicule of Obesity

In a society that often equates thinness with health and moral virtue, the battle against obesity is not just a physical one but a psychological and emotional struggle as well.

For individuals seeking care and support for obesity, the journey is often fraught with obstacles, ranging from judgment and denial of care to outright ridicule.

Understanding Obesity as a Disease

Obesity is not simply a matter of overeating or a lack of willpower; it is a multifaceted medical condition with genetic, environmental, and behavioral determinants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a…