[tw: weight loss talk, fat hate]

I’d just moved back from living overseas and went to a doctor on my new approved list to renew my thyroid prescriptions (I’m hypothyroid and have been for 10 years). I was prepared to have blood drawn and discuss my history of treatment, as hypothyroidism runs in my family, get a new prescription, and go to work. Imagine my surprise when my 30 minute doctor visit consisted of 2 minutes talking about my history of thyroid disease … and 28 minutes of how because both of my parents are diabetic (one type 2 adult onset, 1 gestational), I am definitely going to be diabetic unless I lose some weight, because my BMI is so high. (I have no signs of diabetes.) When I argued that BMI is not supposed to be used for individuals, the doctor told me, “We use it here” and lectured me on my poor dietary choices without once asking me what I ate. She also recommended more movement at work since “clearly your work is sedentary” (I teach high school and rarely sit at work). I was not asked about physical activity in any way; I box twice per week. When I looked at my online diagnoses later, I was diagnosed with “nonspecific obesity,” and this was listed above my actual disease of “hypothyroidism.” My bloodwork came back that afternoon but it took 3 days for the doctor to call in the prescription, even though thyroid medication is relatively cheap and easy to find. This was the first period of time I’d been without my medication in 10 years, since I was diagnosed. Thyroid medication is meant to be taken every day, for life.

I found a new doctor.

Thin privilege is receiving treatment for the disease you actually have. Thin privilege is NOT being diagnosed with a body size as if it is a disease. Thin privilege is NOT having to listen to how a doctor is more concerned about a disease you “will almost certainly get later if you don’t change” than the disease for which you require daily medication and are currently seeking treatment.