A new survey conducted by Léger on behalf of Obesity Matters found that weight bias and discrimination are still prevalent in Quebec, affecting people living with obesity in many areas of their lives, including public spaces, family environments, workplaces, social media, and close relationships.
The survey revealed that as many as 87 per cent of people asked believed that prejudice and discrimination still occur, with 52 per cent believing that it is a regular occurrence.
Weight Bias and Healthcare Access
Over 90 per cent of people surveyed recognized that these experiences of prejudice and discrimination negatively affected a person’s self-esteem and mental health.
However, far fewer than that (55 per cent) recognized that a person’s ability to receive unbiased healthcare was affected by these strong weight biases that persist in today’s society.
“These findings are both encouraging and concerning. Encouraging, because Quebecers clearly recognize that weight bias and discrimination exist. Concerning, because many still underestimate how deeply these experiences affect people living with obesity, particularly when it comes to accessing healthcare,” said Priti Chawla Karunakaran, founder and executive director of Obesity Matters.
Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Disease
Close to 60 per cent of people in Quebec are now aware that obesity is a chronic disease rather than a personal failing.
But the remaining population who don’t share that view continue to hold harmful attitudes that negatively affect how people living with obesity receive care for their chronic disease.
For example, 48 per cent of people who fail to recognize obesity as a chronic disease believe that receiving a higher standard of care in line with how other chronic diseases are treated isn’t necessary for people living with obesity.
“The survey findings reinforce what we observe in clinical practice: the way obesity is understood has a direct impact on how individuals living with the disease are treated and supported,” said Dr. Alexandro Zarruk, an internist specializing in metabolic dysregulation.
People living with obesity continue to experience discrimination because of their disease in many areas of their lives.
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Prejudice and weight bias are harmful, but when it happens in a health-care setting, it can mean the difference between getting proper care for a chronic disease and being told that any health complaint that arises could be remedied by simply losing weight.
In fact, as many as 63 per cent of people living with obesity have experienced that first-hand, with physicians telling them that their weight is the cause of their health problem without investigating any further.
People living with obesity even forgo reaching out for care by postponing medical appointments or avoiding them altogether at a rate of 44 per cent, knowing that they won’t get the due diligence they deserve for a health complaint.
“As someone living with obesity, I know that a better understanding of the disease can help people experience less guilt, less isolation and feel more confident in seeking care. The general population is ready; now we need to turn this awareness into meaningful action that better supports people living with obesity and continues the work of reducing stigma,” said Maude Picotte, a person living with obesity and director of communications and community engagement at Obesity Matters.
The current level of acknowledgment of weight stigma is important, but more needs to be done to create real change.
Chawla Karunakaran added that recognizing the problem is an important first step, but they must continue working toward a society where people living with obesity feel respected, supported and understood.
It is clear that people living with obesity need a supportive environment to seek care without fear of judgment or discrimination, and it is up to healthcare providers and the general public to create that environment.
According to the filing, the survey’s findings highlight the need for continued education and awareness about obesity as a chronic disease, and the importance of reducing weight bias and stigma in healthcare settings, which can be achieved through research trials and other initiatives.
They must continue to raise awareness about the disease and its effects on individuals, and work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for people living with obesity.
Obesity Matters will continue to work towards this goal, and they hope that their efforts will lead to a better understanding of the disease and its effects on individuals.
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