Biases in Healthcare and Perception of Fat Patients

The consistent correlations between weight and lower life expectancy are often debated, with the argument that delay in seeking medical care by fat individuals may play a significant role in their life expectancy. Biases against fat people are prevalent in healthcare, leading to recommendations for low-calorie diets and negative assumptions about their adherence to treatment. However, interventions such as a 15-minute video have shown to reduce bias among medical students. The use of BMI in healthcare is criticized for assuming a direct link between weight and ill health, disregarding individual circumstances. The perception that personal weight is entirely within one's control leads to the inference of intent from fat individuals, impacting their healthcare. The plea is to treat fat patients with the same care as thin patients, listen to them, and spend more time understanding their health concerns.