While numerous factors contribute to the development of eating disorders, the role of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, is crucial. Doctors play a pivotal role in shaping a patient’s relationship with their body and food. Their guidance on nutrition, weight management, and overall health can have a large influence on a patient’s self-image and behaviors. Sadly, many clients have shared that their interactions with their doctor triggered or worsened their eating disorder.
Focus on Weight & Appearance
In many healthcare settings, there is a strong emphasis on weight as a primary indicator of health. This weight-centric approach can lead to a focus on body size rather than overall well-being.
Patients, particularly those who are predisposed to disordered eating, may internalize or latch on to these messages. This often leads to an unhealthy preoccupation with weight and body image.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is often used as a quick assessment tool for determining a patient’s health status. However, relying on BMI without considering other factors can be misleading.
Patients in larger bodies may receive undue pressure to lose weight, even when completely healthy. While those in smaller bodies might be overlooked despite engaging in unhealthy behaviors to maintain their weight.
Inadvertent Triggering of Disordered Eating Behaviors
Doctors may recommend strict dietary changes to address health concerns like high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol. These recommendations can sometimes cause or worsen disordered eating behaviors, especially if the patient has a history of restrictive eating.
Even casual comments about weight can have a lasting impact. For instance, praising a patient for losing weight without understanding the methods behind it. Doing so could reinforce unhealthy behaviors like starvation or excessive exercise. On the other hand, criticizing weight gain, particularly in young patients, can lead to feelings of shame and a life long unhealthy obsession with weight control.
Lack of Training in Eating Disorders
Eating disorders often go undiagnosed, particularly when patients don’t fit the stereotypical image of someone with an eating disorder (e.g., underweight young women). Doctors may misattribute symptoms like fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, or irregular periods to other conditions, leading to delays in appropriate treatment.
General practitioners may lack the specialized training to identify and manage eating disorders effectively. Without proper training, they might not refer patients to mental health professionals or dietitians who can provide the necessary support. This can lead to prolonging the disorder and making recovery even harder.
Doctors wield significant influence over their patients’ perceptions of health, body image, and food. While they may negatively influence a patient’s eating disorders, they also have the power to prevent and treat these conditions effectively.
By adopting a holistic, patient-centered approach, doctors can play a crucial role in promoting healthy behaviors and supporting those at risk of or suffering from eating disorders. Ultimately, the key lies in education, early intervention, and a commitment to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Tips on how to talk to your doctor
Addressing a doctor who has made you feel uncomfortable about your weight can be challenging, but it’s important to advocate for your well-being. Prepping ahead of time what to say in order to clearly express your feelings will hopefully improve your chances of being heard. Here are some suggestions on what you might say:
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Express Your Discomfort Directly – “I felt uncomfortable when we discussed my weight earlier, and I would appreciate it if we could focus on other aspects of my health.”
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Ask for a Different Approach – “I understand that weight can be a part of health, but I’d prefer to focus on behaviors like nutrition, exercise, and mental health instead of numbers on the scale.”
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Redirect the Conversation – “I’d like to talk more about how I can manage my stress levels, sleep better, and stay active rather than focusing on my weight.” and “What are some ways I can improve my health that don’t involve dieting or focusing on my weight?”
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Request Sensitivity – “I’ve struggled with body image issues, so discussions about weight can be triggering for me. Could we approach this topic with more sensitivity?”
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Advocate for Yourself – “I want to make sure that I’m getting the best care possible, which means addressing my health comprehensively, not just focusing on weight.”
By voicing your concerns calmly and assertively, you can help steer the conversation toward a more supportive and holistic approach to your health. You deserve to feel safe and supported by your doctor. Addressing your issues or changing your doctor will be the best course of action when in recovery.
If you’re ready to take the next step on your path to recovery and resilience, get in touch today for a complimentary consultation call.
