Thread by @BevTchangMD

@scottkahan up next, challenging us to challenge our own #weightbias

#obesity

1/

For example:

Are you asking patients to "try lifestyle changes" first before referring them to specialty care? (eg, endocrinology, bariatric surgery)

This is a subtle example of #weightbias
(Assuming they haven't tried already)

2/

A 2009 study found that MDs self-reported less respect for patients with higher BMI

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…

There must be longitudinal studies demonstrating this has improved since 2009??? @scottkahan @ConscienHealth

3/

The importance of addressing #weightbias isn't just about, Don't Be a Jerk...

There are Real Medical Harms, eg:
- Higher cardioreactivity
- Missed diagnoses
- Less #weightloss

4/

Here's what you can do to address your own #weightbias

- Try out the Harvard IAT implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takea…
- Walk the talk, eg, try to follow a calorie restricted diet
- Person-first language
- Improve the office environment, eg, benches, large BP cuffs, private triage area

5/5