When did OB/GYNs start promoting laser fat removal in their clinics? It’s baffling! Many women already dread doctor visits, often because they know they’ll have to step on a scale. The anxiety of weighing in is very real, and nobody wants to feel judged about their weight at a place meant for healing. Doctors should focus on providing care and medical advice—not pushing cosmetic procedures like laser fat removal.
Recently, a friend of mine, Sarah, received a shocking message from her sister, Lisa, after an appointment with her OB/GYN. Lisa was so offended by a weight loss advertisement in the waiting room that she refused to go into her appointment and demanded her medical records to switch practices. She texted Sarah saying, “It’s absolutely ridiculous to have women who are pregnant or postpartum bombarded with lose-belly-fat ads at their doctor’s office!” And she’s absolutely right!
It’s the last thing a new mom needs to see when she’s seeking care to recover from childbirth. The clinic even had ads pushing laser fat removal with lines like, “Something old, something new, something skinny—that could be you.” Seriously? This company isn’t just targeting postpartum women; they’re also marketing to brides-to-be who feel pressured to look perfect on their wedding day.
When Lisa voiced her concerns to her doctor, he claimed he “never thought of that” and promised to take the poster down. But Lisa didn’t stop there—she made it clear she was leaving his practice because it’s a doctor’s responsibility to think about the impact of such advertisements.
Sarah shared this story, emphasizing that it’s essential to recognize and challenge the societal pressures women face. It’s not a woman’s role to shrink herself—be it in ambition, voice, or even body—so others can feel more comfortable. Our bodies shouldn’t be treated as commodities for the weight-loss industry.
I’ve taken a proactive approach in my own appointments. I let nurses know they can weigh me, but I prefer not to know the number out loud. As someone who has battled with an eating disorder, hearing that number can be a trigger. So, I ask them to write it down instead. They usually look a bit puzzled but comply. I’m ready to tackle these sensitive issues head-on, and seeing an ad like that would send me over the edge.
It’s high time the medical community removed these damaging messages from their offices and focused on genuine healthcare instead.
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In summary, it’s crucial for women to feel supported and understood in medical settings. The focus should be on health and well-being, not on promoting cosmetic changes. If your OB/GYN is more concerned with advertising fat loss than your health, it may be time to find a new one.
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