Final answer:
When patients feel judged or stigmatized about their weight, it can result in lower trust in their healthcare providers, impacting their willingness to seek treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to studies, when patients feel judged or stigmatized about their weight, it can lead to lower trust in their healthcare providers. This loss of trust can have a detrimental impact on the patient-provider relationship, with patients potentially being less forthcoming about their health concerns and less likely to seek treatment. The stigma associated with obesity, as evidenced by the work of Puhl and Heuer, can create an environment where discrimination and prejudice against large groups pervade aspects of life, including work, education, and healthcare.
This negative perspective can also deter individuals from accessing proper healthcare due to fear of judgment or mistreatment. When patients feel judged or stigmatized about their weight, it can lead to lower trust in their healthcare providers. This means that patients may be less likely to trust and confide in their healthcare providers about their health concerns, which can negatively impact the quality of care they receive. For example, patients may avoid seeking medical help or not fully disclose their symptoms due to fear of judgment or discrimination.