Women's refusal to be weighed during healthcare visits: Links to body image

Virginia Ramseyer Winter, Kate Trout, Erin Harrop, Elizabeth O'Neill, Rebecca Puhl, Gillian Bartlett-Esquilant

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to assess the relationship between body image and refusal to be weighed by a healthcare provider among women in the United States, including examination of their reasons for refusal. Between January 15 to February 1, 2021, an online mixed-methods cross-sectional survey assessing body image and healthcare behaviors was administered to adult cis-gender women. Of the 384 respondents, 32.3 % reported refusing to be weighed by a healthcare provider. After controlling for SES, race, age, and BMI in multivariate logistical regression, the odds of refusing to be weighed were 40 % lower for every unit increase in body image score (positive body appreciation). The most common reasons for refusing to be weighed were having a negative impact on emotions, self-esteem, or mental health (52.4 %). Higher body appreciation decreased the odds of refusing to be weighed among women. Reasons for refusing to be weighed ranged from shame and embarrassment to lack of provider trust, personal autonomy, and concerns about discrimination. Identifying interventions and alternatives such as telehealth to provide healthcare services that are weight-inclusive may mediate these negative experiences.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)41-47
Number of pages7
JournalBody Image
Volume46
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Body appreciation
  • Cisgender women
  • Healthcare
  • Weighing refusal
  • Weight stigma

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article

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