Why it is OK to Decline Getting Weighed at the Doctor’s Office

Written by CCTC Staff Writer

Whether it is an annual physical, a visit with a specialist, or a walk-in at an urgent care appointment, being weighed is an often routine part of medical care. While for some it may not be a big deal, for those struggling with disordered eating, body image or are in recovery from an eating disorder, this can be anxiety provoking and put them at risk for relapse or an increase in distress and struggling. Fortunately, asking to not be weighed at appointments is an option. To learn more about advocating for yourself at the doctors, continue reading.

In this blog we will cover:

• Why being weighed can be triggering

• Why being weighed is so normalized in healthcare

• Weight stigma in healthcare settings

• Dissociating weight and health

• How to request not being weighed

• How to handle situations where being weighed is necessary

• How to find a weight neutral provider

Why being weighed can be triggering

Being weighed at the doctors office is triggering because it can evoke feelings of anxiety, shame and worthlessness. When the number on the scale is higher than expected, it can lead to feelings of failure and self-doubt.

For those in eating disorder recovery, seeing their weight can be a major set back and put them at risk for relapse. Many people in eating disorder recovery have worked hard to no longer weigh themselves or are not seeing their weight in treatment. Seeing this number again can lead to anxiety about weight gain and/or body changes, and a desire to address their weight through disordered behaviors.

Related: How to Navigate Medical Follow-ups While in Treatment for an Eating Disorder

Why being weighed is so normalized in healthcare

Just because medical professionals have been weighing patients for years, doesn’t mean that it is necessary or required.

So, why is it so normalized? One of the main reasons weight is so commonly used in healthcare settings is the unfortunate widespread use of BMI. BMI, which stands for body mass index, is often used to assess ones wellbeing despite not being an accurate measure of health. This formula takes a persons weight and height to generate a number that falls into categories of underweight, healthy, overweight or obese. What BMI cannot assess is the behaviors that may support, or not support, wellbeing both mentally and physically.

Being weighed in healthcare settings can contribute to weight stigma 

Someones weight and BMI may lead to poorer quality of care due to weight stigma. Some healthcare professionals may judge their patients on their weight or assume any health concerns are due to their weight. They may even focus on weight and suggestions to lose weight, rather than the issue a patient sought an appointment in the first place. Experiencing this type of shaming can be extremely distressing to someone in a larger body and may lead them to avoid seeking healthcare at all, putting them at risk for health issues.

Dissociating weight and health is important

Due to standard healthcare education, and our society being so bombarded by diet culture, many believe that weight and health are directly correlated. The truth is, someones weight does not dictate whether they are healthy or not. 

In fact, there are many healthy individuals in larger bodies and many unhealthy individuals in smaller bodies, proving size does not determine health status. And it is important to remember that people in all bodies, and no matter their health status, everyone deserves high quality of care to address their health.

If we take weight out of the standard evaluation of ones health, there is also more room to focus on other important areas and health promoting behaviors such as sleep hygiene, treating mental health conditions, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, and looking at ways to incorporate more stress management.

How to request not being weighed

Here is a secret many do not know: you do not have to be weighed at every doctor’s appointment.

If you are uncomfortable with being weighed, it is important to advocate for yourself and request not to be weighed. Here are a few ways to handle it:

1) "I'd prefer to not be weighed for this appointment, thank you."

This uses an assertive tone that can typically shut down the request to step on the scale. If a nurse asks why, you can say you'd prefer to discuss with your doctor or say you simply prefer not to be weighed. While that leaves room for you to discuss with your doctor, that is ultimately up to you. You do not have to explain yourself if you don't want to.

2) "I'm in recovery from an eating disorder and request to not be weighed today."

If you are comfortable sharing that you are in recovery from an eating disorder, this can be a way to shut down any pushback on why you will not be weighed.

3) Bring a "Don't Weight Me" card

If you find speaking up difficult and anxiety-provoking, you are not alone. It can feel uncomfortable and you may find it easier to have something to say it for you. Thanks to More-love.org, you can use "Don't Weigh Me" cards that empower you to let your provider know you will be skipping the scale, unless it is really medically necessary. You can get them here.

What to do if your doctor or provider is insisting on weighing you or discussing weight

While some providers may respect your wishes to not be weighed, it may be important to prepare yourself to deal with the possible situations of your provider bringing attention to the topic of weight. Here are a few ways to redirect the focus during your appointment:

1) "Focusing on my weight is not very helpful, and it is not why I am here today, can we get back to the topic I'm here for?" 

This can help redirect the conversation back to why you are there. If you are comfortable explaining your history of body image or disordered eating issues, this can help them understand why, but that is up to you to decide if you are willing to share.

2) "Would the recommendations or focus of this appointment be different if I were in a smaller body?" or "What would your treatment approach be if I were in a smaller body?"

If the focus keeps coming back to weight, try to ask your provider if they are treating this condition, ailment or issue differently simply because you are in a larger body. This can help get you the information you need or help you determine if seeking another opinion is necessary.

How to handle situations where being weighed is necessary

There are some situations where weight is necessary for treatment such as before a surgery or to prescribe certain medications, or when in treatment for an eating disorder.

If this is the case, you can ask to not see the number and step backwards on the scale. You may request that the number is not shared with you during the visit nor for it to be added to the online portal or paperwork you receive at the end of your visit. You may also ask for a note to be put in your file that says you prefer to not be weighed at appointments.

Finding a weight neutral provider

When seeking medical care, remember you are in charge. If you are finding that your provider is not listening to your requests, it can be triggering and frustrating. While it is discouraging, do not give up on seeking the healthcare you deserve. Seeking another provider if possible can help you feel heard and seen.

A weight neutral provider is a provider who does not bring up weight during an appointment, does not use weight as a metric for health and sees you as an individual with complex needs - not just a number on a scale. You can find providers in your area by searching "weight inclusive" or "weight neutral" on Google. You may also search on the Health at Every Size® Professional directory from the Association for Size Diversity and Health here. 

If you are working with other eating disorder providers, consider asking them for referrals for primary care doctors or specialists that are sensitive to these issues. If you have experienced feeling stigmatized in a healthcare setting, you are not alone. We know that these situations may be triggering and upsetting.

If you are struggling with body image, disordered eating or an eating disorder, treatment options are available. Learn more about our treatment programs or reach out to us to discuss recovery.