Innovative Approaches to Primary Care for Individuals Living with Obesity

Recent research from Drexel University explores new ways to enhance primary care visits for people living with obesity by emphasizing empathy, respect, and inclusion. The study highlights systemic barriers such as weight-related stigma and healthcare inequities that often lead to avoidance of medical visits among larger-bodied individuals, which can negatively impact health outcomes.

To address these issues, researchers collaborated with individuals with obesity to co-design an ideal primary care experience. This involved creating a narrative-driven scenario that focused on ensuring patients feel listened to, treated kindly, and free from judgment. The process included gathering input from participants about their challenges in healthcare settings, such as difficulties in building rapport with clinicians, physical discomfort due to inadequate equipment, and overall feelings of stigma.

Following this, a visualized ideal visit was developed, illustrating respectful and empathetic interactions. A subsequent survey of 250 American adults with obesity revealed that participants highly preferred this idealized experience, rating it 9.4 out of 10. Key aspects valued by participants included attentive listening, respectful communication, and being treated without blame or bias, especially regarding weight.

Kristal Lyn Brown, Ph.D., lead author of the study, emphasized that these findings highlight the significance of simple, everyday practices—like respectful speech and inclusive physical spaces—that can make a substantial difference. Improving the quality of human interactions during visits may increase comfort levels and reduce healthcare avoidance among people with obesity.

The study recommends that healthcare providers undergo training to explicitly address weight bias and cultivate patient-centered, respectful communication. All clinic staff, starting from front office personnel, should be equipped with skills to recognize and counteract biases, fostering a more inclusive environment. Referral practices should also prioritize respectful and empathetic specialists.

Brown pointed out that incorporating patient voices in research and practice is essential for systemic improvements. Overall, the aim is to build trust, promote equity, and ensure that healthcare experiences are compassionate and accommodating for people living with obesity.