Sweating, shaking and sickness: ‘Doctor-phobia’ is a real fear among those worried about weight
- More than three-quarters (78%) of UK adults who are unhappy with their weight feel nervous ahead of visiting the doctor
- Almost nine in 10 (87%) of these reported suffering physical symptoms ahead of seeing their GP such as sweating, needing the toilet, shaking and even nausea as a result
- Over half (55%) say they rarely visit or put off seeing their GP unless absolutely necessary
- In contrast, a survey of successful slimmers found 60% feel no nerves ahead of visiting the doctor, and three quarters (77%) reported that their health had improved since joining Slimming World.
More than three-quarters (78%) of UK adults who are unhappy with their weight admit they feel nervous ahead of visiting the doctor, with over half (55%) of those saying they rarely visit or put off going to the surgery unless absolutely necessary.
Over a third (38%) of those unhappy with their weight and who feel nervous ahead of visiting the doctor worry that they could be diagnosed with a health condition, while 23% fear they will be judged about their weight by the doctor. One in 10 people say they’ve had a bad experience leaving them feeling ashamed about their weight.
People who are unhappy with their weight are 13% more likely to feel this doctor-phobia and feel nervous ahead of visiting the doctor.
The survey of 2,003 UK adults, commissioned by the UK and Ireland’s largest weight management organisation Slimming World, also reveals 87% of people who are unhappy with their weight and feel nervous ahead of visiting the doctor suffer physical reactions often associated with phobias, such as anxiety (56%), needing the toilet (25%), sweating (22%), nausea (15%) and even shaking (13%) ahead of visiting their doctor.
Almost one in five of those would rather take a maths test (19%), pick up a spider (16%) or hold a snake (15%) than pay a visit to their local surgery.
These worries are seeing people favour online interactions over seeking in-person support, with nearly one in four (24%) admitting they would rather Google health questions than visit the doctor and 10% buying medication online, according to those who are unhappy with their weight and feel nervous ahead of visiting the doctor.
Losing weight can not only improve someone’s health and risk factors for a number of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, the survey shows it can also make a big difference to this urge to dodge the doctors.
A corresponding survey of Slimming World members in the UK and Ireland found that 60% of them feel no nerves ahead of visiting the doctor since losing weight, with more than a third (35%) now actually feeling confident when visiting their doctor. More than three-quarters (77%) say that since joining Slimming World their health has improved.
While it makes sense that people don’t necessarily look forward to visiting their doctor, it’s a concern to hear that people who are unhappy with their weight suffer even more fear and anxiety around this.
Carolyn Pallister, registered dietitian and Head of Nutrition, Research and Health at Slimming World, says: “With excess weight being linked to a range of serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, the idea that people are actively avoiding getting their health checked or seeking help because of this is really alarming.
“Our survey also showed that people who had previously had negative experiences when visiting the doctor leaving them feeling ashamed about their weight, highlighted a number of reasons including a lack of understanding, the use of blunt or stigmatising language, and a lack of advice and support.
“People living with overweight and obesity need care, compassion and support, and not to feel stigmatised about their weight. At Slimming World, we know that a weight-related conversation between a health professional and a patient, when effective, can lead to life-changing results. That’s why we are encouraging the next government to commit to training for all healthcare professionals to enable sensitive and skilled conversations about weight, as we know they want to support their patients to lead healthier lives, they just need the right tools to do that.
“The training must address the psychological as well as physiological impact of weight on health. From our 55 years’ experience, we know that it’s when people are being treated respectfully, with kindness and understanding, that they’re more likely to make the lifestyle and behaviour changes needed for them to lose weight.”
In Slimming World’s recently launched manifesto, ‘Five-point manifesto to support people and families living with obesity’, they are calling on the new Government, whichever party comes into power, to commit to helping more people living with obesity to lose weight with a personalised approach, improve their health outcomes, and relieve the financial burden on the NHS.
Case study: Slimming World member Lisa Doherty
Lisa Doherty, 44
Starting weight: 13st 11lbs / 87.54kg
Weight now: 9st 11lbs / 62.12kg
Weight loss: 4st
Height: 5ft 4ins
Dress size before: 16 to 18
Dress size now: 8 to 10
Slimming World member Lisa Doherty, 44, can relate to the findings of the survey. She says: “Before losing weight I would avoid going to the doctors at all costs. It started when I was pregnant and on being weighed by my midwife, she was shocked to see the number on the scales and said ‘Oh, you hid that well’. I know she wasn’t trying to be mean or upset me, but I was so conscious and embarrassed about my weight, it really put me off.
“After the pregnancy, I didn’t visit a doctor’s surgery unless I absolutely had to as I was worried I’d be judged because of my weight and be told to move more and eat less, but it isn’t that simple!”
Lisa, an assistant head teacher from Derby, who has since lost 4st, said she was spurred on to join her local Slimming World after realising that her weight meant she was more prone to illness. She says: “After hearing stories of people who had Covid on TV or reading them in the news, I realised that there was often a connection between weight and people being more unwell, and I had people relying on me, and things I wanted to see and do.
“When I first stepped through the doors at my Slimming World group, I was welcomed by everyone, especially Laura, my amazing Consultant. And I was so happy to hear that by making some changes to the way I shopped and making a few clever swaps, I could still enjoy my favourite meals like a roast chicken dinner and lose weight.
“Now I’m happy to visit the doctor, and I’m always ready to share with them how much weight I’ve lost. I didn’t realise just how much my weight was affecting me. It was only when I lost weight and became fitter that I realised how much of a difference it made to both my physical and mental health. I’ve got my confidence back!”
Lisa attends the Slimming World group in Mickleover, run by Consultant Laura Dethick.
UK adults who are unhappy with their weight and feel nervous ahead of visiting the doctor, said they would rather:
· Take a maths test (19%)
· Get stuck in a thunderstorm (18%)
· Be in a confined space (16%)
· Pick up a spider (16%)
· Hold a snake (15%)
· Deliver a presentation to a huge audience (12%)
· Jump out of an aeroplane (11%)
· Get trapped in the dark (10%)
· Scale a tall building (8%)
Methodologies:
UK adults research: The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,504 respondents (aged 18+) across the UK and Republic of Ireland (2,003 nationally representative respondents in the UK and 501 respondents in the ROI). The data was collected between 21.06.2024 and 25.06.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
Slimming World research: The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 920 respondents (aged 18+) from Slimming Worlds database across the UK and the Republic of Ireland (882 respondents in the UK and 38 respondents in the ROI). The data was collected between 21.06.2024 and 27.06.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
About Slimming World
Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE in Derbyshire in 1969 and has become the UK and Ireland’s leading weight loss organisation with more people choosing to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss programme. We support hundreds of thousands of people, both in our groups and online, to lose weight and to adopt new habits to stay slim for life.
Over the years our founding principles haven’t changed:
- Our unique programme is based on a powerfully motivating support system called IMAGE (Individual Motivation and Group Experience) Therapy. Underpinned by a deep understanding of the psychology of people living with overweight and obesity, and incorporating the most effective sustainable behaviour change techniques, IMAGE Therapy is designed to inspire and motivate slimmers to make positive mindset changes and to develop new, healthier habits around food and activity.
- Food Optimising is our healthy eating plan, based on the liberating concept of Free Food. We encourage members to fill up on those foods that are naturally lower in energy density (calories per gram) and also highly satisfying while limiting foods that are highest in fat and sugar and are less satisfying, so they lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived and without having to weigh, measure or count everything they eat.
- Our physical activity support programme, Body Magic helps members to overcome any barriers around exercise. Members choose when to start and they set the pace, finding activities they genuinely enjoy, until regular physical activity becomes an intrinsic part of their daily routine.
At the heart of everything we do lies our passion for treating every member with genuine care, empathy and respect.
We’re proud to work with the NHS, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), The Royal College of Midwives, Diabetes UK and others to help shape the future of weight management in the UK and Ireland.
For more information about Slimming World’s approach visit slimmingworld.co.uk or slimmingworld.ie
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For the Press Office visit our newsroom or email public.relations@slimmingworld.co.uk