Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnętrznej
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · Oct 2022
Patient-centered care and the "people first" principle as a tool to prevent stigmatization of patients with obesity.
Obesity is a global health problem with serious consequences, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and certain cancers. Excess body weight, mainly due to its manifestation in an individual's appearance, also affects the psychological condition. Therefore, health care providers need to make an effort to diagnose and comprehensively treat obesity. ⋯ This phenomenon is associated with reduced compassion and willingness to help, and a feeling of dislike or even anger toward this group of patients. The consequences of stigmatization are worse mental health, poorer physical health, avoidance of health care, and the maintenance or increase of excess body weight. Therefore, talking about obesity using the principles of "people-first language," as well as implementing a patient‑centered care model are important.