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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to not go to GP because I know she will ask me about my weight, when my issue is entirely non weight related?

48 replies

Mintyy · 11/05/2014 20:47

I know I am overweight (not morbidly) and there is nothing she can say to me that I haven't said to myself.

But it will come up again. Because these things, along with blood pressure, smoking, and smear tests always seem to whenever you quickly visit the GP these days.

What is the point? Is she going to say "the NHS won't treat you for X because your bmi is 30"?

OP posts:

MrsBW · 11/05/2014 20:49

Depends entirely on what the issue is??

MrsMaturin · 11/05/2014 20:50

What is X?

GPs have to cover certain topics and BMI, BP and smoking DO factor in to a lot of illnesses. However it is annoying for people to go with one issue that they've had for years and be told it's because of weight when actually they only gained the weight after and because of the issue.....

If X is something that cannot be treated with a high BMI when then you'd know what needed to be done and could get support lowering your BMI OR in living with the status quo.

AtYourCervix · 11/05/2014 20:51

Yes YABU but if you find a way over it can you let me know please.

ProfessorBranestawm · 11/05/2014 20:51

I've been for appointments about heaps of different things and they never mentioned my weight (BMI over 35) apart from once when it was genuinely relevant (possible cause of my snoring ) - really isn't brought up every time here.

windchime · 11/05/2014 20:52

If you have a BMI of more than 30 they will not give you IVF treatment.

skittycat · 11/05/2014 20:55

I used to think the same way you did. Thought that my GP was going to mention my weight whenever I went as the ones that I had previously had always did.

I got a different GP, who weighed me at my induction/health test thing at which point she asked whether I was happy with my weight and has not brought it up since unless it was related to the reason that I was there or I brought it up.

If you have a health issue you should see your GP.

summerbreezer · 11/05/2014 20:56

Apart from infertility, I cannot think of a single issue the NHS won't treat because of weight. They might mention it, but they won't refuse you treatment.

Always better to get down there and work out your options(for whatever it is) I think.

MrsAlexVause · 11/05/2014 20:59

I've given up going to the Doctors. Doesn't matter what's wrong with me, they'll blame bipolar. I took my DD before who you could tell was ill by looking at her. All I got was 'Are you depressed? Are you after attention?' No. Depressed people and their children get ill too you know!

Original poster

Mintyy · 11/05/2014 21:00

I don't want fucking IVF!!

I have an issue which is entirely non-related to my excess 35lb.

But I'll have to have the conversation.

Can anyone suggest what I say about the fact that I am still the same weight as I was a year ago without cringing and doffing my cap and promising to do better?

OP posts:

Chocotrekkie · 11/05/2014 21:00

I've seen dozens of doctors over the past few years for different things (now they finally think its all linked) and my Bmi is very high - only 1 has ever mentioned it and it was a relevant factor which was fair enough.

She was really nice about it as well.

steff13 · 11/05/2014 21:00

My former doctor lectured me about my weight when I was in to see her for strep throat. I rarely get properly sick, and I was so not feeling like listening to that; I was miserable and she needed to hush and make with the antibiotics. :)

I go in annually for a physical, and I fully expect a lecture at that time, but not when I'm going in because I'm sick (unless it's a weight-related illness).

WooWooOwl · 11/05/2014 21:02

YANBU.

If you don't want to be asked, or treated, then you don't have to go. Your choice entirely.

LilacRoses · 11/05/2014 21:03

Am I being terribly irresponsible in suggesting that 35lbs isn't that huge an amount! My DW was also around that much overweight for years and it was only mentioned when she had back problems. She'd had a number of problems before then and it never came up.

She's actually lost alot of weight now and feels great but her consultant never says anything either way!

summerbreezer · 11/05/2014 21:03

If it's mentioned, how about saying "would lowering my BMI help to cure X?" If they say yes, well then they probably do have to mention it. You can follow that up with a "thank you, I will bare that in mind. Anything else you would recommend?" to shut down the topic.

If they say no, lowering BMI won't cure X, they should then move on to stuff that will help!

MyCatHasStaff · 11/05/2014 21:04

Play her at her own game? Tell her that your weight needs to be addressed at a separate appointment - my GP has a one problem one appointment policy (which is a right PITA when you wait 3 weeks per appointment!)

HumphreyCobbler · 11/05/2014 21:04

I would state firmly that I was not here to discuss my weight, but rather X and could we concentrate on that please?

I possibly would not actually be able to say that, but I would try..

DrainPhobic · 11/05/2014 21:05

Just tell her you've started losing weight. Don't let her weigh you though!

Littlefish · 11/05/2014 21:05

My GP brings my weight up every single time I go and visit her, regardless of why I'm there. I have to go and see her next week and I think I'm going to be brave and pre-empt her comments by saying that I don't wish to discuss it and that I still know what her advice is.

joanofarchitrave · 11/05/2014 21:07

I like summerbreezer's approach.

I don't remember, but weight management may be one of the things they are supposed to mention to all patients who are X amount over ideal BMI in order to get paid. Summerbreezer's suggestion would allow them to do that while you still get the help you need.

PostHocErgoPropterHoc · 11/05/2014 21:08

Is it always the same GP? Could you see a different one at the practice?

Owllady · 11/05/2014 21:10

I am more overweight than you and I have been really poorly with an infection this last three weeks and I went to the Dr twice in a week despite not seeing one for SIX YEARS previously. They did not mention my weight, or anything else at all for that matter. Just what I had been about.
If you are unhappy generally with your gp, I would look to change. Good gp' s are not judgmental and are open minded.
And before anyone says anything, I am annoyed with myself I am overweight and it is something I am working on

Kewcumber · 11/05/2014 21:12

Maybe I'm lucky but my GP has never mentioned my weight unless its been relevant to whats wrong with me.

Original poster

Mintyy · 11/05/2014 21:16

Possibly you are lucky Owllady and Kewcumber.

I went to my gp last year for infected insect bites and a cricked neck that wouldn't get better. Both times I had my blood pressure taken (results recorded on notes), questions asked about smoking, contraception and weight (comments recorded on notes).

I know its all a box ticking exercise for the NHS but it discourages me from going to the gp, rather than encourages me.

OP posts:

NeverendingPotato · 11/05/2014 21:18

I am massive and weight never comes up when I visit. Maybe switch to one you feel more comfortable with?

Monmouth · 11/05/2014 21:18

Is there a larger than average GP in the practice you can see?

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