The NHS is facing criticism over its approach to discussing weight with patients, with many women reporting that unsolicited advice and comments about their body size are causing distress and potentially triggering disordered eating.
Laura, 28, received an unsolicited text message from the NHS informing her that she had "extra weight" and referring her to weight management programmes. She told GLAMOUR that the message left her feeling "upset" and "offended", particularly as she has previously struggled with body dysmorphia and low self-esteem around her weight.
Another woman, Alexa, 31, described a troubling visit to her doctor shortly after having a baby. After being measured 0.1 over a "healthy" BMI, she was told to cut carbohydrates and replace her evening meal with a salad. Having a history of disordered eating, she found this advice triggered old habits and negative thoughts.
Rhiannon Lambert, a registered nutritionist and eating disorder specialist, emphasised the importance of careful language when discussing weight with vulnerable patients. "Any passing comment may potentially trigger more negative thoughts or emotions towards their relationship with food or body image," she said.
The backlash comes amid wider concerns about body image pressures in the UK, with YouGov reporting that half of Britons feel pressured to have a certain body type, particularly women in their 20s and 30s.
