WIBTA if I told my doctor I’m leaving her practice because of comments about my weight?

In a sterile dermatologist’s office, a 32-year-old mom, our original poster (OP), sits ready for a life-changing psoriasis injection, her skin a patchwork of red from a year-long battle. After childbirth, 120 pounds crept on amid postpartum depression and a soul-crushing job, but her trusted PCP cheers her weight loss journey, affirming her health. Yet, this dermatologist, a near-stranger, shifts the visit’s focus, lobbing unsolicited weight critiques that sting like salt on her already raw skin.

OP’s shock turns to resolve as she requests a new doctor, tired of being judged without context. But when the office asks why she’s leaving, she hesitates. Should she spill the truth about the dermatologist’s harsh words or slip away quietly? This story dives into the messy clash of medical care and personal dignity, where a patient’s voice fights to be heard.

‘WIBTA if I told my doctor I’m leaving her practice because of comments about my weight?’

A doctor’s office should feel like a safe haven, but OP’s dermatologist turned it into a judgment zone. Her unsolicited weight comments, laced with assumptions about diabetes and cholesterol, ignored OP’s medical history and her PCP’s oversight. Dr. Linda Bacon, a health-at-every-size advocate, notes, “Weight bias in healthcare can harm patients by dismissing their needs” (Health at Every Size, 2010). OP’s discomfort is valid, as the dermatologist’s focus strayed from psoriasis to body shaming.

The dermatologist’s perspective, though, may stem from medical training emphasizing obesity risks. Psoriasis is linked to conditions like diabetes, as a 2023 National Psoriasis Foundation report confirms, noting 30% of patients face comorbidities. But her delivery—repetitive and presumptuous—lacked empathy, alienating OP, who’s already tackling her health with her PCP. This misstep reflects a broader issue of doctors prioritizing assumptions over patient rapport.

Weight bias in medicine is rampant. A 2024 Journal of General Internal Medicine study found 70% of overweight patients report feeling judged by providers, often reducing trust and care adherence. OP’s experience mirrors this, as the dermatologist’s comments overshadowed her psoriasis treatment, risking her confidence in seeking future care.

OP could share her feedback calmly, explaining how the comments felt dismissive and eroded trust. A brief letter to the office, focusing on her need for empathetic care, might prompt reflection without confrontation. Switching doctors protects her well-being, and her PCP could connect her with a dermatologist who listens. This empowers OP while pushing for better patient care standards.

Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:

Reddit’s take is fiery: OP’s no jerk for wanting respect. Most users cheer her plan to switch doctors, slamming the dermatologist’s weight fixation as unprofessional, especially given OP’s clear health plan with her PCP. They urge her to be honest with the office, seeing feedback as a chance to call out bias and improve care for others.

Some argue the dermatologist meant well, citing psoriasis-comorbidity links, but agree her delivery was tactless. Reddit’s blend of outrage and advice, with a dash of humor at the doctor’s overreach, backs OP’s instinct to seek a provider who sees her as more than a number on a scale.

This medical misstep shows how fast a doctor’s bias can sour trust. OP’s push for a new dermatologist honors her dignity, and speaking up could spark change. The dermatologist’s weight obsession missed the mark, but OP’s resilience shines. Ever faced a doctor who judged instead of listened? Drop your stories below—how do you stand up for yourself in the exam room?