Women’s refusal to be weighed during healthcare visits: Links to body image
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to assess the relationship between body image and refusal to be weighed by a healthcare provider among women in the United States, including examination of their reasons for refusal. Of the 384 respondents, 32.3 % reported refusing to be weighed by a healthcare provider. The most common reasons for refusing to be weighed were having a negative impact on emotions, self-esteem, or mental health (52.4 %). Reasons for refusing to be weighed ranged from shame and embarrassment to lack of provider trust, personal autonomy, and concerns about discrimination. Identifying interventions and alternatives such as telehealth to provide healthcare services that are weight-inclusive may mediate these negative experiences.
Full citation: Ramseyer Winter, V., Trout, K., Harrop, E., O’Neill, E., Puhl, R., Bartlett-Equilant, G. (2023). Women’s refusal to be weighed during healthcare visits: Links to body image. Body Image, 46, 41-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.04.006