Should GPs bring up a patient’s weight in consultations about other matters? We asked 5 experts

Australian of the Year and body positivity advocate Taryn Brumfitt has called for^[1] doctors to avoid discussing a patient’s weight when they seek care for unrelated matters.

A 15-minute consultation isn’t long enough to provide support to change behaviours, Brumfitt says, and GPs don’t have enough training and expertise to have these complex discussions.

“Many people in larger bodies tell us they have gone to the doctor with something like a sore knee, and come out with a ‘prescription’ for a very restrictive diet, and no ongoing support,” Brumfitt told the Nine newspapers^[2].

By raising the issue of weight, Brumfitt says, GPs also risk turning patients off seeking care for other health concerns.

So should GPs bring up a patient’s weight in consultations about other matters? We asked 5 experts.

References

1. ^{^} called for (www.smh.com.au)
2. ^{^} told the Nine newspapers (www.smh.com.au)