4 Comments

Thanks for addressing this topic. This branding of "ob*sity" as a disease has been so frustrating to me. Every time I have tried to discuss the "disease" piece with an MD, the response has been "it's just science." When I've responded that it's really NOT science, but a great marketing move, the folks I've spoken with have gotten visibly upset/angry, scolded me for ignoring science, refused to explain to me why they encourage "yo-yo dieting" over other options like HAES, and described my calmly phrased questions as ignoring the facts. I remind myself there are people who still believe the world is flat. However, I'm currently seeking medical assistance for an issue, suspect my size has delayed the search for diagnosis, and am asked by assorted medical professionals why I didn't report [insert some disease I don't have]. My PCP and Gyn are, thankfully, careful to look at more reliable measures for treatment.

Again, thank you! As previously mentioned, ideas for dealing with this systemic issue?

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What can I do to fight back? Am i able to post your article online? I notice there is a Share button....? Any other suggestions?

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author

Hey Maggie, Thanks for asking! I think any time you can call this out in a comment section etc. that's helpful. You probably won't change the mind of the person who said it wrote it (who may be paid NOT to change their mind!) but you'll give other people a chance to think. (If you want to use this article, you can use the share button on the article to post it on social media directly, or just copy the link for this article into a conversation) or just copy and paste bits of it, whatever is helpful!)

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This is so well-written Ragen!! Thank you!

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