Beyond the Scale: A qualitative exploration on the impact of weight stigma experienced by patients with obesity in general practice

Objective: Obesity is a complex, chronic, relapsing condition that requires an individualised approach to treatment. However, weight stigma experienced in healthcare settings poses a significant barrier to achieving person-centred care for obesity. Understanding the experiences of people living with obesity (PwO) can inform interventions to reduce weight stigma and optimise patient outcomes. This study explores how individuals with obesity perceive weight stigma experienced in general practice, the impact it has on their health and behaviour, and their suggestions for reducing it. Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven PwO who had experienced weight stigma in general practice settings in Ireland. The interviews were conducted online via Zoom between May and August 2023; interviews lasted between 31 and 63 minutes (M = 34.36 minutes). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three overarching themes specific to participants experience of weight stigma in general practice were generated: (1) shame, blame and “failure”; (2) eat less, move more – the go-to treatment; (3) worthiness tied to compliance. A fourth theme outlines the participants suggestions for reducing weight stigma by improving the quality of patient-provider interactions in general practice: (4) the desire for a considered approach. Conclusion: The findings call for a paradigm shift in the management of obesity in general practice: emphasising training for GPs in weight-sensitive communication and promoting respectful, collaborative, and individualised care to reduce weight stigma and improve outcomes for people with obesity.