We know that obesity is a stand alone risk factor for more severe coronavirus infection. We also know that obesity stigma often results in people struggling with weight delaying or avoiding medical care, for fear of being judged or stigmatized by their health care providers about their weight.
There are many hurtful, weight biased memes and jokes circulating during this pandemic which, as reviewed by Dr. Ximena Ramos Salas, can result in people with obesity feeling more weight bias than ever before.
Because of the fear of being judged or stigmatized, people who struggle with weight may delay seeking care for their COVID-19 symptoms. Delaying needed care or treatment may result in a worse outcome.
My message today is this: please don’t let fear of weight stigma cause delay in accessing any needed care. Ask for help if you need it, when you need it.
Patty Nece, Vice Chair of the Obesity Action Coalition, recorded a compelling YouTube video about this important topic.
Subscribe to my blog (box top right) for more on COVID-19 in the coming weeks.
Share this blog post using your favorite social media link below!
Follow me on twitter! @drsuepedersen
www.drsue.ca © 2020
