158: Fatness as a Disease and “Ob*sity” Medicine’s Giant Flaws
Feb 28, 2023
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The discussion dives into the controversial classification of fatness as a disease, questioning its implications on health and stigma. They challenge misleading statistics on fat-related deaths while advocating for a more inclusive dialogue in medical research. The conversation also explores the societal biases against fatness and the role of pharmaceutical companies in perpetuating harmful narratives. Lastly, it highlights the significance of fat liberation, equal treatment in healthcare, and finding joy in life's little moments.
The categorization of fatness as a disease fosters harmful stereotypes while ignoring fatness as a normal human variation.
Healthcare biases against fat individuals can lead to inadequate treatment and the marginalization of their health concerns.
Limited efficacy and potential health risks of weight loss medications demonstrate the challenges of managing body weight sustainably.
Deep dives
Understanding Anti-Fat Bias
Anti-fat bias manifests as systemic discrimination against individuals in larger bodies, leading to harmful stereotypes and stigmatization. Many people internalize negative perceptions of fatness, associating personal worth with body size. However, research indicates that biases often stem from societal standards and not the actual health of individuals in larger bodies. This bias impacts healthcare access and can result in discriminatory practices, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing these societal influences.
The Misconception of Fatness as a Disease
The notion that fatness is a disease perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fails to recognize fatness as a normal variation of human bodies. Medical narratives often pathologize fatness, which can lead to unwarranted interventions and misdiagnoses based solely on body size. Studies show that fat people often do not have the same disease-related symptoms that characterize other medical conditions, suggesting that categorizing fatness as a disease lacks clinical validity. This flawed perspective not only reinforces stigma but also obscures the real issues impacting health, such as access to quality care and societal discrimination.
Weight Loss Medications and Their Impact
Medications like Wegovy and Ozempic are marketed as solutions for weight loss, yet evidence suggests their effectiveness is limited and often temporary. Patients may regain the weight lost once they stop the medication, highlighting the inefficacy of these interventions for long-term weight management. This cycle of loss and regain showcases a misunderstanding of the human body’s natural regulatory mechanisms concerning weight. Caution is advised when considering these drugs, as they can present serious health risks without significantly improving overall wellness.
Stigma in Healthcare Settings
Healthcare providers often hold biases that affect their treatment of fat patients, often reverting to stigmatizing language even when attempting to adopt person-first terminology. The emphasis on weight as a measure of health continuously marginalizes fat individuals, leading to inadequate healthcare. Many patients report feeling unseen and unheard within the healthcare system, as their concerns may be dismissed or attributed solely to their size. Advocating for training led by fat advocates can foster understanding and create a more inclusive environment for fat patients seeking care.
The Need for Diversity in Medical Research
The lack of diversity in clinical trials for weight loss medications can lead to harmful outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. Predominantly white and female participants in studies fail to represent the diverse experiences and health needs of BIPOC and gender-nonconforming individuals. Using non-evidence based interventions without thorough testing across different demographics only exacerbates health disparities. Increasing representation in clinical trials is essential for developing safe and effective treatments that cater to the broader population.
There has been a shift in recent years to embrace fatness as a disease and in fact, the American Medical Association did do just that in 2013, against advice from many experts. Is the premise of larger body sizes as inherently “diseased” helpful? What about “ob*sity” doctors who advocate for the use of a person's first language? Is that shift going to end the stigma for fat people? Let’s talk about it!
Episode show notes: http://www.fiercefatty.com/158
Support me on Ko-Fi and get the Size Diversity Resource Guide: https://ko-fi.com/fiercefatty/tiers
High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension's effects on your body: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868#:~:text=Uncontrolled%20high%20blood%20pressure%20can,risk%20of%20life%2Dthreatening%20complications.
New JAMA Study Challenges CDC’s 400,000 Obesity Deaths Figure: https://consumerfreedom.com/press-releases/99-new-jama-study-challenges-cdcs-400000-obesity-deaths-figure/
How Can You Ignore The Correlation Between Weight And Health?: https://danceswithfat.org/2021/09/14/how-can-you-ignore-the-correlation-between-weight-and-health/
A Disturbing New “Weight Loss Device” Seeks To Lock People’s Jaws Shut: https://www.refinery29.com/en-ca/2021/07/10558914/otago-weight-loss-device-magnetic-backlash
For an overview of how the media gets it wrong and right check this out: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn6H2WAS0E8/
If you want an overview of lots of studies go here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1I0pKz2QZl6x2d2cX3dZ3wKD3iNecOWeppfaDw5fOTMo/edit?usp=sharing
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