I’ve always dreaded visits to the doctor—not because of the physicians themselves, but due to the overall experience. Sure, I can handle needles for vaccines and even fasting for blood tests, but it’s the scale that has always been my nemesis, impacting my self-image in a profound way.
Since I became aware of my body, I’ve been on the heavier side. Unfortunately, my memories of growing up are filled with moments of feeling overweight, and my pediatrician only reinforced those feelings. Back in those days, he frequently reminded my mom and me about my size, emphasizing that I was on the chubby side.
It was a different time, and BMI was viewed as the ultimate measure of health, despite its flaws. Society back then glorified thinness, and mental health was still largely ignored. If you didn’t struggle with body image issues, it felt like you were doing something wrong. Reflecting on how these experiences shaped my mental and emotional well-being makes me both sad and angry.
A study from the Journal of Pediatrics in 2016 found that children as young as 9 to 14 were unhappy with their body shapes. Isn’t that heartbreaking? Shouldn’t kids be focusing on more important things, like asking for more screen time or debating whether they really need that new toy from Target?
I want my children’s interactions with their doctors to be stress-free. They shouldn’t feel anxious about stepping on the scale or fitting into a certain growth percentile. That’s why I’m attentive to how their doctor communicates with them.
Instead of fixating on weight, she asks about their favorite foods, their hobbies, and their friendships. This approach is refreshing—it removes the moral stigma around food and presents exercise as a fun activity rather than a chore. It’s crucial to emphasize that mental health is a vital aspect of overall health.
Perhaps I’m a bit more cautious than others regarding my children’s experiences with healthcare, but I want to spare them from the struggles I faced. After my second daughter was born, I avoided visiting my doctor for four years, waiting until I felt thin enough to step on the scale. By the time I finally went back, I had developed unhealthy eating habits and other serious health issues.
As an adult, I can identify body-shaming when I see it, but as a child, I only understood the message that I was “fat,” which translated to “bad.” I am living proof of the long-lasting effects that negative comments from pediatricians can have on a child’s self-image. If your child’s doctor has made similar remarks, it’s time to find a new, more body-positive practitioner immediately.
While I can’t change my past, I will do everything in my power to ensure my daughters don’t endure the same experience. It’s one thing for parents to affirm their children’s strength and beauty, but when those sentiments come from a doctor, they carry even more weight. If a pediatrician can’t foster a positive body image, parents will rightfully seek out someone who can.
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Summary
It’s crucial for pediatricians to foster a positive body image in children. Negative comments about weight can lead to long-lasting mental health issues. If your child’s doctor is making disparaging remarks, it’s time to find a new healthcare provider who emphasizes body acceptance.
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