When did OB/GYNs begin to incorporate advertisements for laser fat removal in their practices? Many women already experience anxiety about doctor visits, particularly when it comes to stepping on the scale. This scale anxiety is compounded by the fear of being judged for their weight. A doctor’s office should be a sanctuary for healing and medical advice—not a place where women are confronted with options for cosmetic procedures like laser fat removal.
This frustration was recently echoed by Lisa Thompson on her social media, who shared a disheartening encounter her sister had at her gynecologist’s office. “I can’t believe I had to ask for my medical records just to escape that environment,” her sister texted, alongside a photo of her files. “During my annual exam, the doctor announced in front of the waiting room that I could lose belly fat quickly with their latest laser treatment. It’s unacceptable to market this to women who are either pregnant or postpartum.”
She’s absolutely right. For new mothers, the last thing they want to deal with during a routine medical appointment is an advertisement for ‘SculpSure’, a laser fat removal procedure. The messaging on the clinic’s promotional material was equally jarring: “Something old, something new, something skinny—this could be you.” This kind of advertising perpetuates harmful narratives about women’s bodies, particularly targeting those preparing for significant life events, like weddings.
When Lisa raised her concerns with the doctor, he seemed taken aback, promising to take down the promotional material. However, she decided to leave the practice, stating, “It’s your responsibility to consider how your messages impact your patients. It’s part of the ‘first do no harm’ principle.”
Lisa’s experience highlights a critical issue in the medical community: it’s essential to recognize and resist the patriarchal standards that seep into healthcare. Women shouldn’t feel pressured to conform to unrealistic ideals of beauty, particularly in environments designed for their well-being. The focus should be on health, not aesthetics.
I’ve taken a proactive approach during my own visits by telling nurses that while they can weigh me, I prefer not to know the number. I explain that I have a history with eating disorders, and verbalizing my weight could be triggering. Most healthcare providers comply, albeit with some confusion. However, encountering a poster promoting weight loss would be completely overwhelming.
As Lisa rightly concludes, medical facilities must cleanse their spaces of damaging narratives and focus solely on providing quality healthcare.
For more insights on navigating the complexities of fertility and family planning, check out this resource on fertility boosters for men or learn more about IVF options.
In summary, if your OB/GYN is promoting laser fat removal, it might be time to find a new healthcare provider. Your health and well-being should always come first, free from unnecessary societal pressures.