When Healthcare Hurts: Medical Harm in Eating Disorders
Healthcare is supposed to help us heal, but unfortunately, for many people living in larger bodies or struggling with eating disorders in non-stereotypical bodies, medical settings can do the opposite. Medical harm happens when weight stigma, dismissal, or misdiagnosis leaves patients feeling blamed, unheard, or even traumatised.
What Does Medical Harm Look Like?
Being told to “just lose weight” instead of having symptoms properly investigated
Eating disorder warning signs are brushed off because you “don’t look sick or small”
Being praised for weight loss, even if it’s the result of restriction or illness
Feeling too anxious to seek medical care at all, for fear of judgment
These experiences aren’t just frustrating; they delay treatment, worsen mental health, and reinforce harmful beliefs about bodies and food.
Why This Matters
Medical harm keeps people from getting the help they deserve. For those with eating disorders, it can validate the disorder’s voice and stop someone from reaching out for support. For those in larger bodies, it can mean missing out on early detection of serious health conditions.
What Helps Instead
You deserve respectful, weight-inclusive care that sees the whole person, not just the number on the scale. Advocating for yourself can be tough (and unfair that it’s even needed), but you don’t have to do it alone. As HAES-aligned psychologists, we can help process medical trauma, build confidence in advocating for your needs, and connect you with size-affirming providers.
Bottom line: Your body is not the problem; bias is. If you’ve experienced medical harm, know that your story is valid, and compassionate care is out there.
