Obesity is complexMany contributing factors are outside of an individual’s control.
Welcome to Supportive Obesity Care
Obesity occurs in over 40% of US adults and is recognized as chronic with a complex etiology.1 Our society can be hostile toward people with high weight, who commonly face judgment, prejudice, and unfair treatment in their daily lives, including the healthcare setting.2 Weight stigma is harmful to health and well-being3,4 and creates barriers to effective patient care.5-8
While society often assumes people to be personally responsible for their weight, research indicates that body weight is determined by multiple factors, many that are outside of an individual’s control.9,10 Healthcare professionals often find it difficult to broach the topics of weight and weight management with patients. Optimal patient care requires an understanding and awareness of weight stigma, its impact on health, and the strategies necessary to reduce bias.8
The topics on this website range from the pathophysiology of obesity to how to have supportive conversations with patients about weight, offering practical knowledge and strategies that are applicable in everyday clinical practice. The goal is simple: to equip healthcare professionals with knowledge and tools to provide more respectful, supportive, and compassionate care to patients of all body sizes.
What is weight stigma?
An explanation of weight stigma, where it comes from, and how it can be recognized.
Weight stigma in healthcare
A summary of weight stigma in healthcare and how this creates barriers for effective patient care.
How can we improve healthcare for people of all body sizes?
Professor Puhl highlights strategies for providing supportive care of people with diverse body sizes.
