Is it Permissible to Decline Being Weighed During a Medical Examination?

**Family Medicine Practices Shift Away from Routine Weigh-ins**

In a significant move aimed at promoting a more empathetic and inclusive approach to healthcare, Family Medicine practices are reconsidering the practice of routine weigh-ins for adult, non-pregnant patients during follow-up appointments. This shift stems from concerns about weight stigma and its detrimental effects on patient health and wellbeing.

The issue of weight stigma is a prevalent one in healthcare, leading to both physical and psychological harm. Routine weigh-ins without patient consent can contribute to patients feeling pathologized and discriminated against based solely on weight. This can cause emotional distress, shame, and even avoidance of healthcare, ultimately worsening health outcomes rather than improving them.

Moreover, the focus on weight often reduces patients to a number on the scale, framing their weight as a pathological issue that must be "corrected." This approach can create barriers to care and reduce patient engagement, as weight stigma has been shown to lead to poorer access to, and uptake of, health services.

To combat these issues, experts are advocating for person-centered communication. This approach involves asking patients if they wish to discuss or be weighed, and respecting their preferences to reduce stigma and improve the therapeutic relationship.

Some healthcare providers are recognising the need to shift focus from an "obsession" with weight and weight loss towards supporting holistic health without stigmatization. This includes acknowledging obesity as a chronic disease that requires empathetic and comprehensive treatment, rather than blaming patients for their weight.

In place of routine weigh-ins, Family Medicine practices are now focusing on reliable health measures and behaviours. Time spent with patients is being used to discuss topics such as smoking cessation, the importance of strong social connections, and the benefits of being active in ways that are enjoyable and therapeutic, rather than traditional exercise.

Patients have a say in what happens during their visit, and they can ask why weigh-ins are necessary. If they wish to be weighed, they can request to do so. However, a simple "No thank you" when asked to step on the scale may be an effective way to assert their preference.

The movement away from routine weigh-ins and towards awareness of anti-fat bias is gaining momentum. This shift is seen as a step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful healthcare environment, where patients feel valued and supported, rather than judged based on their weight.

References: [1] Puhl, R. M., & Brownell, K. D. (2013). The stigma of obesity: a review and update of psychological, biological, and epidemiological evidence. Obesity Reviews, 14(7), 491-502. [3] Bacon, L. H., & Aphramor, L. (2011). Weight science: evaluating the evidence for a paradigm shift. Nutrition Journal, 10, 93. [5] Mann, J. (2015). The obesity epidemic: what caused it, how can we stop it? Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 22(5), 368-374.

This shift in family medicine practices towards empathetic health approaches extends to addressing chronic-diseases like chronic-kidney-disease, respiratory-conditions, and digestive-health concerns.
Science and education-and-self-development have played crucial roles in understanding the complexities of medical-conditions, contributing to a more compassionate approach to health care.
Workplace-wellness programs are increasingly incorporating person-centered communication, promoting mental-health, skin-care, and hearing health among employees, as well as therapies-and-treatments for various ailments.
Family-health also encompasses the importance of eye-health, with regular check-ups recommended for early detection and management of issues like skin-conditions and autoimmune-disorders.
In the conversation around health and wellness, sexual-health and reproductive rights also come to the fore, with a focus on accessible and comprehensive care for men's-health and women's-health.
Parenting resources and support systems are essential in ensuring family-health, with a focus on weight-management, personal-growth, and career-development for both parents and children.
CBD, a popular natural remedy, has been used in the treatment of various health-issues, including skin-conditions, stress, and chronic-pain, but further research is needed to understand its long-term effects.
As part of this holistic approach to health and wellness, job-search resources and goal-setting tools are being integrated into healthcare services, empowering patients towards skills-training and satisfying careers.
The movement towards a more inclusive healthcare environment also includes efforts to address hearing loss and improve accessibility in medical settings, ensuring all patients can fully participate in their care.
In addition to promoting personal-growth, these person-centered healthcare practices aim to improve patient advocacy and encourage patients to take an active role in their care, from setting health goals to seeking out job opportunities aligned with their passions.
Skin-care and dermatology are import areas of focus in family medicine, as issues like acne and eczema can significantly impact a person's mental-health and overall wellbeing.
With an increasing emphasis on anti-stigma and respect, healthcare providers are encouraged to engage in open discussion about the challenges and realities of living with chronic-diseases like obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune-disorders.
By adopting person-centered approaches and focusing on the whole person, healthcare providers can build stronger relationships with their patients and work together towards optimal health and wellness.
By prioritizing empathy, inclusivity, and respect in healthcare, we can create a future where all individuals feel empowered to take control of their health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally, in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.