6 Ways to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office If You Have a Larger Body

Everyone can benefit from being their own healthcare advocate. But those who might experience the effects of stigma or bias in medical settings — such as people who have larger bodies — may find self-advocacy necessary to get what they need.

The truth is, people labeled as obese or overweight often have to deal with bias and stigma in medical care. This can prevent them from seeking treatment and can lead to misdiagnosis and a lower quality of care.

Learning to be an advocate for yourself can help you to feel seen and heard, and to get the care you need. Self-advocacy can also help you find a healthcare provider who recognizes that your weight does not determine your health and is not necessarily a problem that needs to be discussed or fixed.

How to be your own healthcare advocate

When preparing for a visit with your healthcare provider, think ahead of time about how you want to advocate for yourself. This can help you get what you need from the appointment and can help ensure that you get appropriate care.

Here are some ideas:

1. Consider a telehealth appointment first

Consider starting with telemedicine visits, which may be more comfortable and convenient for you. Telemedicine can be a great way to build a relationship with your provider, which can help you feel more comfortable talking about your concerns.

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2. Prepare for your appointment

Prepare for your appointment by writing out your goals for the visit and any questions you want to ask. Having a list to refer to can help you make sure you’re getting your concerns addressed. Also, review your rights as a patient ahead of time (more on this below). 

You may also want to decide whether you want to talk about your weight at all during your appointment. You can prepare statements ahead of time to set boundaries with your provider. Keep in mind, you are not required to talk about your weight at a healthcare appointment if you don’t want to.

3. Consider bringing a friend or loved one

Consider bringing someone supportive to your appointment. A loved one can help:

• Remind you to ask your questions

• Advocate alongside you to your provider, if needed

• Take notes about what happens during your visit

• Provide emotional support and comfort

4. Speak up during your appointment

During the visit, make sure to communicate with your provider about all of your concerns. It’s OK to interrupt or correct your provider if they have misunderstood you. Remember: You know your story and your body better than anyone else in the room. 

Make sure you feel like you are a part of a shared decision-making process with your provider and that you feel good about the plan that is made. If you have concerns about your treatment, speak up. It’s OK to disagree. 

And ask questions! Don’t end the appointment until you are sure you understand your provider fully.

5. Take notes

Don’t be shy about taking notes during your appointment. This can be a helpful way to slow down the conversation so that you can collect your thoughts and make sure you get all your questions answered.

After your visit, be sure to write down any lingering questions or thoughts you have about the experience. It can help to think about the way you felt during and after the appointment. This includes any moments that made you feel uncomfortable, confused, or judged. If you have concerns about the visit, you can also ask for a copy of your chart notes to make sure they are accurate. 

You should also reach out to your provider with your concerns. If your provider doesn't make you feel comfortable and supported in raising your concerns, it is worth thinking about switching to a new provider.

6. Consider changing providers

Finally, if you’re not satisfied with your experience, don’t be afraid to find a new provider. You deserve to get healthcare from someone you feel good about seeing and who you are confident views you as a whole person. It’s important to find a provider who feels like an ally.

What are my rights as a patient?

As a patient, you have many rights — some of which are protected by federal and state law. Knowing these rights can help you feel confident and prepared when you meet with a healthcare provider or visit a clinic or hospital. As a patient:

• You have a right to see your medical chart and to have your medical information kept private (mandated by HIPAA).

• You have a right to understand and agree to any treatment or medical intervention (informed consent). 

• You have a right to end an appointment or procedure at any time.

• You have a right to decline any part of a medical appointment, such as being weighed or undressing.

• You have a right to medical equipment that is the right size for your body.

• You have a right to ask questions.

• You have a right to request the tests and referrals that you want.

• You have the right to an interpreter.

• You have a right to a second opinion.

• You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. 

If you don’t feel like your rights are being respected, you can always talk directly to your healthcare providers or to the clinic or hospital staff. Your hospital or your state’s department of health may also have a patient-rights office available to help you. 

In complicated or long-term situations, some people find it helpful to work with a professional patient advocate or case manager. These people can help make sure your medical needs are met and your rights are respected. Some hospital systems and patient groups may even be able to provide you with a professional advocate for free, or for a low cost. 

Finding a fat-friendly healthcare provider 

Weight stigma can make it hard to find good medical care. Fortunately, many healthcare providers are working toward being more inclusive. There are now many providers who are considered “fat-friendly.” 

When looking for a provider, here are some tips to consider:

• Read reviews online on sites such as Healthgrades, RateMDs, and Vitals.com, or look for a healthcare provider who mentions size-inclusivity on their website. 

• Consider searching for a size-inclusive clinic or healthcare provider using the Fat Friendly Health Professionals List.

• Talk with friends and family you trust and get references.

• Find a provider with telemedicine options, and try meeting virtually for your first visit. If you feel comfortable over video, think about scheduling an in-person appointment next. 

• Look for a healthcare provider with a size-inclusive office. The office environment should help you feel comfortable and respected, with large-enough chairs and waiting rooms, the option not to be weighed, and appropriately sized blood-pressure cuffs.

• Consider your first appointment a chance to interview the provider and make sure they are a good fit. It’s OK to be upfront about what you are looking for. 

Addressing weight bias with your healthcare provider

It’s possible that, at some point, you may encounter a provider who exhibits weight bias toward you. You may feel misunderstood or like your medical concerns are not being taken seriously. You may also be worried about whether you are getting the right care.

If you do experience bias or stigma from your provider, you may need to advocate for yourself. If you’re up to it, take the opportunity to educate your provider. If something makes you uncomfortable, it’s OK to speak up. Or, consider bringing an article or handout as a conversation starter to help your provider be aware of weight bias. 

You can even practice a few helpful phrases to start a discussion with your provider, like:

• “People with larger bodies are often treated differently or may experience bias from healthcare providers. I want to make sure I feel heard and respected.”

• “I’ve read that patients with a larger body may not be given the appropriate treatment because of their weight. I want to make sure I am getting the right care.”

• “I heard about a woman who did not have cancer diagnosed in time because her doctor dismissed her symptoms as related to her weight. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to me.”

And if all else fails, consider finding a new provider — especially if your experience makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. You have every right to choose not to try to educate your provider.

More advocacy information and resources

To learn more about advocacy resources for those with a larger body, check out the following organizations:

• Association for Size Diversity and Health 

• Bedsider: The art of being a difficult patient

• Council on Size and Weight Discrimination

• Fat Friendly Health Professionals List

• Health at Every Size

• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance

• Obesity Action Coalition

• Obesity Care Providers

• Patient Advocate Foundation

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a special interest in chronic care management, women’s health, mental health, and preventive care. She has over 10 years of experience in primary care research, innovation, and practice.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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