Obesity: This is how people who suffer from it are at risk

Obesity, a common phenomenon in the modern world, increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including cancers, heart disease and diabetes. In Israel, every third adult is overweight, many of them suffer from “fatty phobia”, an insensitive and disrespectful attitude towards people with obesity, which stems mainly from stereotypes and prejudices. According to an Israeli survey of 1,700 overweight and obese patients conducted in 2022, 40% of them said that they frequently avoid going to recommended medical examinations due to the fear of receiving disrespectful treatment from the treating staff.

A new Israeli study conducted on data from the General Health Services and published last weekend in the journal Preventive Medicine, examined the effects of stigma on the health of those who suffer from overweight and obesity. The study was based on data from over 600,000 adults over the age of 50. The researchers looked at their body mass, age, gender, geographic location and socioeconomic status.

The study found that overweight and obese people perform less screening tests for cervical cancer, mammograms and skin tests to detect malignant findings – tests that involve exposing the body. Among those who are overweight, about 15% fewer screening tests are performed for early diagnosis of the diseases, and among those with obesity up to 30% fewer tests. On the other hand, the other medical screening tests that do not require spreading are performed by them on time.

“People with obesity avoid coming to medical examinations because of the disrespectful treatment they received in the medical system in the past,” said Prof. Sagi-Dain. Enriched by the media that glorifies thinness, and also because of the attitude of the health system itself. The doctors, nurses and other medical staff need to undergo training on how to treat obese people sensitively. And the patients themselves, don’t be ashamed to complain and even complain, the power is in your hands as well.”