RISE FOR EQUITY Podcast: Breaking Down Weight Bias: Unpacking Prejudice in the Doctor’s Office

Mayo Clinic Talks

Host: Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara

Guest: Sumit Bhagra, M.D.

On this episode of the RISE for Equity podcast, Dr. Sumit Bhagra joins host, Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara, to discuss the topic of the issue of weight bias in healthcare and its profound health implications. Delving into the roots of weight bias, the discussion explores its detrimental effects on both physical and psychological well-being, examines responses to weight bias from both doctors’ and patients’ point of view, and advocates for actionable changes that can be implemented to support patients in achieving optimal health, no matter their size.

Learn more at https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/rise-for-equity/

About our Guest:

Sumit Bhagra, M.D. is an endocrinologist and site lead physician in Albert Lea and Austin, Minnesota. He serves as the Medical Director for Contracting and Payer Relations for Mayo Clinic Health System. Follow him on Twitter @SumitBhagraMD or on LinkedIn.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

“As we look at how we've dismantled all the biases and the isms, weight bias is probably the most acceptable of the biases in our community. You don't have to do much. Just look at any TV show or movie, and you'll still see people being mocked because of their body weight. It's the last of the isms standing, and we've got to work really hard to dismantle that as well.” —Sumit Bhagra, M.D.

“If we introspect into the origin of the bias, we'll notice that the belief that people are 100 percent in control of their body weight is probably the basis for the bias.

Because if we truly understand the systemic nature of any health problems, particularly weight gain, we can probably empathize more with the person who lives in a larger body as opposed to blaming them for being in that shape.” — Sumit Bhagra, M.D.