This blog post was created from Isabelle’s Snack With A Dietitian: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcidNeVqcgU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
At Bamboo Nutrition, we have this conversation with all of our clients: To weigh or not to weigh?
Let’s discuss some scenarios where you may need to be weighed and some situations where it is unnecessary.
Please bare in mind, you are ALWAYS allowed to reject being weighed. That is completely within your right. As a healthcare professional, I want to explain the times that it is important for a healthcare provider to know that number.
To Weigh
There are times in life where it is important for healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, dietitians, etc.) need to know your weight. After the age 20, your weight is no longer being plotted on a growth chart. Rather, your weight is kept as data and the healthcare professional is looking for what is “usual” or “typical” for you. Weight is going to change over time, however, it is unhealthy if there are dramatic changes in weight or sudden changes in weight.
It is important to have a weight recorded somewhere as a baseline to give the healthcare professional information on your whole health. Weight is one data point amongst many that are taken into consideration.
There are many health conditions that cause changes in weight. Knowing this number is one piece of the puzzle if you are going through a major health change. For example, you could be retaining fluid and this could indicate kidney issues or heart issues. If the doctor didn’t know your usual weight, or weight from the last few years, they may not identify the fluid retention and the problem could only worsen.
If you need surgery, the anesthesiologist will need your weight for medication dosing. If you’re pregnant, the OB will need to know your weight to make sure your baby is growing appropriately.
There are many reasons why being weighed may be necessary. If being weighed is a trigger for you, know that you can control how you’re weighed (blindly vs. open) and if that information is shared with your or discussed.
To not weigh
On the flip side, there are many instances or situations where we go to the doctor and simply do not need to be weighed. If you’re someone who goes to the doctor multiple times per week, month, or year, you do not need to be weighed every time unless this is an important data point your healthcare team is monitoring for some reason.
Many preventative appointments or routine appointments are not necessary to be weighed at. You’re there for a reason other than your weight.
If you have not been to the doctor for a few years and just want the number recorded for data, as discussed above, that is your choice to be weighed or not. Keep in mind you still have control over how your weight is taken- blindly vs. open and whether to discuss.
You will likely always be asked to step on the scale at the doctor’s office because to be weighed is a “procedure,” just like taking your blood pressure. This procedure can be documented and insurance will reimburse the clinic for it. Therefore, the clinic makes some extra money by taking your weight. Clinics need to make money too! I am not throwing them under the bus for doing something as little as a procedure if it means they can pay their bills, their staff and keep serving their patients. I also want you to know why it is always asked to take a weight at a clinic.
Does my child need to be weighed?
This can be a controversial topic. My recommendation is yes, your child needs to get weighed at the doctor.
I realize some parent’s blood may be boiling and heart may be pounding right now… let me explain.
A child is much different from an adult in that they are growing dramatically from age 0-20 years old. Many children, if they’re lucky, are only going to the pediatricians for an annual visit. If this is the case, as a healthcare professional I find it extremely important to get a child's weight once per year. This helps provide us with data to see how they are growing and what is normal for them. Every child is going to grow at a rate that is healthy for their bodies, and there are usually trends that indicate a child is following their growth curve and are healthy.
It is a parent’s choice and right to set boundaries around how their child’s weight is discussed. If the parent prefers the child not know their weight, the doctor or nurse can take a blind weight and the child never needs to see that number. If the parent doesn’t want weight discussed around their child, then the parent can explain this to the healthcare team and those topics can happen without the child in the room. In fact, I encourage that!
how to say no to being weighed
Mentally prepare yourself to say no
Keep it simple": “I prefer not to be weighed today.”
If they persist: “If you really need it, can you explain to me why?” OR “Being weighed is very triggering for me and I prefer not to be weighed.'“
Practice saying this out loud to yourself, in the mirror, in the car, etc. before the appointment
how to set boundaries with healthcare professionals
Do not be intimidated by a nurse, doctor or other healthcare professional. They are there to serve you! I know it is easier said than done, but remember they are people too and they also go to their own doctor and may have their own anxiety around being weighed. They are people too :)
Some of my tips to set boundaries around knowing or discussing your weight are:
Step on the scale backwards
Before being weighed, tell the professional “I don’t want to know the number.”
When you see your doctor or provider, right away let them know you are uncomfortable with your weight being discussed.
If you’re working with a dietitian, let the provider know this right away. “I am seeing a dietitian and do not need to discuss my nutrition or movement today.”
If you have a good rapport with your provider, you could disclose to them how triggering these conversations are and that you prefer not to discuss this with them unless it is life threatening.
You are more than a number and deserve to be treated as a person
If you do not feel validated, seen, heard, or taken seriously by your healthcare provider, I am truly sorry. If you have experience being treated as a number and have dealt with fat-phobic or weight biased healthcare professionals, I am truly sorry. I understand your fear of going to the doctor, your fear of finding a new treatment team, and your fear around setting boundaries with providers. It is difficult to trust that there are better providers out there.
You deserve better. You deserve to be treated with respect. It is hard to change providers, and it is so worth it when you finally find someone who makes you feel seen, heard, respected, and as a person not a number.
At Bamboo Nutrition, we work with our clients on their healthcare needs and weight is not something we focus on. We often have clients who have been dismissed for reasons related to their weight and we are here to help be an advocate for your healthcare needs and provide you with the support you need to live your best life.
If you’re looking for a dietitian and feel like we may be the right fit for you, please reach out to us.