“MRI and stigma: Qualitative insights from fat individuals in Norway”

Background Fat individuals have consistently reported experiencing weight stigmatization in health-care settings, including MRI examinations. Health-care providers (HCPs) often hold stereotypical assumptions about patients with “obesity,” leading to negative implicit biases. Studies reveal that radiographers may display attitudes of blame and frustration toward these patients. This study aimed to shed light on the lived experiences of fat individuals during MRI examinations, striving to enhance the quality of care in diagnostic imaging settings and ensure compassionate, bias-free treatment for all patients.Methods In a Norwegian qualitative interview study, we included three men and five women with “obesity.” Participants were asked to share experiences from their latest MRI examination through semi-structured interviews. Experiences regarding reception, communication and examination were explored. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify common themes in the data.Results Four main themes emerged: (1) My body size: a material obstacle outside the margins, (2) To endure the MRI: a historical repeat of distress, (3) Dealing with discomfort and (4) Being the invisible burden. Structural discrimination, inadequate equipment and stigmatizing behaviors contributed to feelings of exclusion, shame and discomfort in this study. Despite these challenges, participants developed strategies to endure their examinations.Conclusions Weight stigma in MRI settings remains a significant barrier to equitable healthcare for fat individuals. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial to improving the experiences and outcomes of larger sized individuals in medical imaging and broader health-care settings.