People living with obesity report fat-shaming by NHS doctors

Dozens of people living with obesity across England have reported experiencing stigmatising and inappropriate comments from NHS doctors, according to new data.

An investigation, based on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, revealed at least 74 complaints were submitted to hospital trusts over the past year, alleging individuals had been subjected to ‘fat-shaming’ during NHS appointments. The actual figure is likely to be higher, as many trusts were unable to provide specific figures.

Among the incidents reported, one individual claimed a doctor compared their body to “carrying two suitcases”, while another was told they could not see their face as it was “too fat”. In other cases, people described being warned not to roll over because the bed was “only a slim one” and being told by a doctor that “middle-aged overweight women are my worst nightmare”.

At Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, a complainant said they were blamed for “eating too much fast food” and warned not to move too much during an examination because of their size. A medic at Salisbury NHS Trust reportedly pointed to a female’s mouth and said she needed to “stop eating to lose weight” before slapping her on the hips and commenting “then it won’t go on here”. The doctor later apologised.

The NHS advises clinicians to use positive and respectful language when discussing weight and to avoid moral judgement. However, some doctors argue that direct language may encourage individuals to take their health more seriously.

The debate comes at a time when 64 per cent of UK adults are classified as living with overweight, and one in four is living with obesity.

In response, the Government has pledged to expand support for people living with obesity through its anti-obesity strategy. This includes improved access to NHS weight management services, wider availability of weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro and public health campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles.

Campaigners argue that while clinical honesty is important, people living with obesity deserve care free from stigma and blame. Sarah Le Brocq, Director of the charity All About Obesity, said: “Obesity is a chronic condition, we wouldn’t shame people for having cancer, so why do we do it for obesity?”

The NHS has also invested £40 million over the past five years in equipment such as larger beds, chairs and stretchers to ensure appropriate care for patients living with obesity.

Calls are growing for better training for healthcare professionals on how to address obesity with empathy, clinical accuracy and without judgement.