Appreciate how patients may feel in the clinical setting

Stigma can arise from both the clinician-patient relationship as well as a stigmatising physical environment. Clinical settings are very diverse, ranging from private consultation rooms, to shared wards, to open gym spaces. Generally private, soundproof consultation rooms are best to use for a weight management discussion. Patients or clients are more likely to feel uncomfortable if they know someone else is on the other side of a curtain, or if they are facing mirrors or intimidating equipment which may make them feel there is too much emphasis on their appearance or their weight.

It is also a good idea to make sure that there is seating appropriate for larger individuals both in your waiting area, and also in your consultation rooms, to avoid patients feeling that they ‘don’t belong’.