Weight stigma is an increasingly prevalent kind of social discrimination of weight-based stereotyping, and it can negatively affect individuals who are dealing with chronic pain and disability. Many who manage handicaps or disabilities, individuals undergoing treatment for diseases and illness will encounter fluctuations in weight beyond their ability to control. The discrimination these individuals face is both in the managing of their medical condition and their body image and stereotyping they face based on how they look.

Illnesses such as autoimmune diseases and hormone imbalances, as well as people who are seeking treatment through chemo, Prednisone or other steroids, may face issues with their weight while undergoing these treatments. Also, those individuals who suffer from disability can experience a significant change in their body size and shape.

Weight can be a sensitive topic to address and deal with personally, especially in a society where heavier individuals are often stereotyped or highly stigmatized. Our very independent focused western culture tends to blame individuals for their condition, and this can happen by both the general public and the health professionals they seek support from. Current research supports the claim that the majority of overweight individuals in the US have experienced some form of weight stigmatization.

Doctors and primary healthcare providers can inadvertently add to a person’s stress and unhealthy feelings about weight when not practicing sensitivity. It’s important that these individuals be educated about disordered eating and the negative impact offhanded comments about weight can have overall on their patients’ success. In order to do their job adequately, they must have the judgment and interpersonal ability to provide high quality care.

One of the most important principles to practice when it comes to advocating for positive body image is that you never know what an individual is going through. By practicing sensitivity and openness we can be sure to have the most positive impact on our own lives as well as others.