In Response to: An ethical concern: Frustration with obesity manifesting as frustration with the person
Dear Editor,
I appreciate the article published in American Nurse Journal, on June 25, 2024, titled An ethical concern: Frustration with obesity manifesting as frustration with the person. Understanding obesity and acknowledging our own implicit bias against obesity could be life-saving. Talumaa et al., (2022) report that weight stigma, which can lead to obesity, is associated with approximately 60% greater mortality risk.
Obesity rates in the United States have risen from 36.5% of men and 40.8% of women between 2013 and 2016 to a projected 48.9% of adults expected to be obese by 2030 (Fulton & Srinivasan, 2023). These patients face an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, respiratory illness, and other comorbidities (Fulton & Srinivasan, 2023). Obesity impacts healthcare costs at an estimated $200 billion in the U.S. annually (Fulton & Srinivasan, 2023).
Understanding weight stigma may help healthcare providers understand the complexity of obesity. Researchers report that patients who face weight stigma have increased caloric intake and long-term weight gain (Talumaa et al., 2022). Weight stigma toward patients has been linked to patients avoiding routine check-ups, providers spending less time with patients, less frequent listening by providers, and less respect by providers (Talumaa et al., 2022).
To provide quality care to all patients, regardless of their disparities, healthcare providers must become aware of their implicit biases and begin to understand the complexity of obesity. Obesity is far more complex than diet and exercise (Fulton & Srinivasan, 2023). This change begins with healthcare providers, and together, we can improve outcomes for all patients.
Jami Huber RN, MSN-Ed
Burlington, WI
