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Medical Care

Women with Severe Obesity: Negative Healthcare Experiences in Norway

2024-11-30

Health problems often being attributed solely to weight is a common issue faced by many. In this study, we explore the experiences of 14 women with severe obesity after being hospitalized. These women share their fears of not being believed when seriously ill and feeling unseen as a person due to their body size.

Uncovering the Hidden Struggles of Women with Severe Obesity

Healthcare Professionals' Blame on Weight

Patients in the study reported that healthcare professionals often blamed everything on their weight, regardless of the reason for hospitalization. Weight loss was presented as a solution to most of their problems, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and a sense that the situation was their own fault. For example, one patient shared how she was constantly reminded about her weight during her hospital stay, even when it had nothing to do with her current illness.Another patient described how she was made to feel like her weight was the root cause of all her problems, which added to her distress and made her feel like she was not being treated as a whole person.

Prejudgment and Stereotypes

The women also experienced prejudgment from healthcare professionals. They felt that healthcare workers had certain stereotypes when seeing a large person. As soon as someone had a high weight, they were associated with danger. Many felt they were placed in a preconceived box defining how an overweight person is perceived. This aligns with what healthcare professionals themselves report, as studies show that many indeed hold these attitudes. For instance, a patient recounted an incident where a doctor immediately assumed she had certain health issues just because of her weight, without even conducting a proper examination.This preconceived notion not only affected the way these patients were treated but also made them feel like their individuality was being overlooked.

Differential Treatment and Facility Inadequacies

Patients experienced being treated differently by healthcare professionals. Some encountered stigmatising body language, such as grimacing. They also felt that hospital facilities were not adapted to their needs. This included chairs, beds, or blood pressure monitors that did not fit. Some worried that equipment that did not fit could lead to inaccurate measurements. For example, a patient had to struggle to fit on a standard hospital bed, which affected her comfort and recovery.Another patient mentioned how the lack of appropriate-sized equipment made her feel like an outsider in the hospital environment. She described how it was difficult to get accurate readings and how this added to her anxiety.

Delay in Seeking Medical Help

The patients shared that they fear being hospitalized again not only because of the illness itself but also because of how they might be treated. Many studies show that women with obesity seek medical help later than women of normal weight. They hesitate, and that's very serious. One patient explained how she had been putting off seeking medical help for a long time due to fear of being judged and treated differently.This delay in seeking help can have serious consequences for their health, as early detection and treatment are crucial.

Improvement Needed in Institutions

There is significant room for improvement in how institutions are equipped. Reflecting on her own time as a nurse, Robstad recalls always having to run around looking for shirts and blood pressure cuffs that were large enough. There are beds designed for individuals with obesity today, but there simply aren't enough of them. This lack of proper equipment can make the hospital stay more difficult for these patients.For instance, a patient had to wait for a long time to get a suitable bed, which affected her recovery process.

Education and Awareness

Almost everyone exercises weight stigma to some extent, whether consciously or unconsciously. Larsen believes that education and attitudes have not kept pace with recent advances in obesity research. It's not as simple as losing weight to fix the problem; it's an incredibly complex picture. Hospitals are also poorly adapted to accommodate larger bodies. Not all scales have a high enough capacity, which can be embarrassing and demoralizing for the patient.For example, a patient was once made to feel ashamed when the scale maxed out before she could get an accurate reading.Larsen emphasizes the need for governmental action to raise awareness about this issue and include it in education. Healthcare institutions should incorporate training to help staff reduce stigma and focus on health rather than body size.In conclusion, the experiences of these women with severe obesity highlight the need for a change in the way healthcare professionals approach and treat patients with obesity. It is essential to move beyond stereotypes and prejudices and provide individualized care to ensure the well-being of these patients.

Before the highly anticipated showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies on that Saturday night, a buzz of excitement began to spread across the A&M campus. The university police department vividly depicted this scene on their social media feed. Texas A&M Police reported on the platform X that officers had the remarkable encounter of halting a man on horseback and another on a longhorn within the campus boundaries. It was also noted that two men were apprehended for criminal trespass as they attempted to enter the stadium while posing as construction workers. With mammoth ticket prices and high stakes at play, College Station has come under the spotlight as the return of the Lone Star Showdown draws nearer. The winner of this matchup between the No. 3 Longhorns (10 - 1, 7 - 1) and the No. 20 Aggies (8 - 3, 6 - 2) will secure a place in next week's SEC Championship Game and have the opportunity to determine their own destiny in the College Football Playoff.

Key Highlights of the Lone Star Showdown

Police Encounters on Campus

Officers' actions on Saturday were a significant part of the lead-up to the game. The sight of a man on horseback and another on a longhorn added an element of uniqueness to the campus atmosphere. The arrests for criminal trespass further emphasized the security measures in place. This incident not only captured the attention of the campus community but also made headlines.The police account provided a detailed look at the events that unfolded, giving fans a glimpse into the security operations during such a high-profile event. It showcased the dedication of the police in ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Impact on the SEC Championship Game

The outcome of this Texas vs. Texas A&M matchup holds great significance for the SEC Championship Game. A win for either team will give them a direct ticket to the championship, while a loss could potentially end their hopes. The competition between the No. 3 Longhorns and the No. 20 Aggies is intense, and every play will be crucial in determining the winner.Fans are eagerly awaiting the game, knowing that it could have a major impact on the postseason. The stakes are high, and both teams are determined to come out on top.

Fan Excitement and Ticket Prices

The Lone Star Showdown has sparked a frenzy among fans. The high demand for tickets has led to skyrocketing prices, making it a costly affair for those looking to be at Kyle Field. However, the excitement and passion of the fans are palpable, and they are willing to pay the price to witness this historic rivalry.The ticket prices reflect the significance of the game and the popularity of the two teams. It has become a must-see event for college football fans, and the atmosphere at Kyle Field is expected to be electric.

Pre-Game Press Conferences and Insights

Steve Sarkisian and Mike Elko's press conferences provided valuable insights into their teams' preparations and expectations for the game. Sarkisian shared his early thoughts on Texas A&M and the return of the Lone Star Showdown, giving fans a glimpse into his game plan.Elko also discussed various aspects, including the Kyle Field atmosphere and the potential return of key players. These press conferences added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the game.

Injury Reports and Player Updates

The injury reports for both teams are closely watched as the game approaches. Quinn Ewers' status is a concern for Texas, while the potential return of an impact player for Texas A&M could make a significant difference. Fans are eager to know if key players will be available to play and how their injuries could affect the outcome of the game.The injury reports add an element of uncertainty to the matchup, but both teams are working hard to ensure their players are in the best possible condition.

Historical Rivalry and Future Implications

The Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry has a rich history, and this game is just another chapter in that story. The two teams have faced off numerous times, and each encounter is filled with excitement and intensity.Looking ahead, the outcome of this game could have implications for the future of both teams. It could set the tone for the rest of the season and determine their paths in the postseason.Follow along here as the game unfolds and find more links below:How to watch Texas football vs. Texas A&M: Start time, TV channel, and moreTexas football vs. Texas A&M: Point spread, odds, and moreA Longhorns interception, one big Terry Bussey return and more Texas-Texas A&M bold predictionsSEC Championship scenarios are set for return of Texas-Texas A&M rivalryCollege GameDay heading back to College Station for return of Lone Star ShowdownWhy Texas-Texas A&M rivalry isn’t being played on Thanksgiving this seasonRevisiting the last 10 Texas-Texas A&M games ahead of Saturday’s Lone Star ShowdownIs the return of the Lone Star Showdown the biggest Texas vs Texas A&M matchup of all time?3 things to know as Texas football travels to Texas A&M for Lone Star ShowdownTexas football’s Steve Sarkisian gives his early thoughts on Texas A&M, return of Lone Star ShowdownOverheard at Steve Sarkisian’s press conference: Making the CFP, Jaydon Blue’s importance, and moreOverheard at Mike Elko’s press conference: Kyle Field atmosphere, Chase Bisontis’ return, and moreSEC injury report: Could a Texas A&M impact player return against Texas?Texas-Texas A&M injury report: Quinn Ewers is listed. Could Arch Manning play against the Aggies?What to do with Jaydon Blue at this point, and two other Texas football thoughts ahead of Lone Star Showdown at Texas A&M‘Brother vs Brother’: These former high school teammates will face off in Texas-Texas A&M rivalryTexas vs. Texas A&M ticket prices have skyrocketed. What will it cost you to be at Kyle Field?Texas college football power rankings: Longhorns, Aggies remain in top-3 entering final weekCollege football bowl projections: Where Texas and A&M could go in the postseason

Combating climate change is a global challenge that requires innovative solutions. One such solution lies in the use of greener asphalt, steel, and concrete for roads. A new federal highway grant program is aiming to achieve just that, providing billions of dollars to states and a companion agency initiative to issue emissions labels for transportation materials.

Key Initiatives and Their Impact

The Federal Highway Administration recently awarded $1.19 billion in grants to nearly 40 state transportation departments. This funding will help these departments launch purchasing programs that require the use of low carbon transportation materials instead of traditional construction inputs. The federal government defines low carbon transportation materials as those with minimal greenhouse gas emissions throughout their entire life cycle.Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White emphasized the importance of materials with a lower carbon footprint in modernizing the transportation sector to fight climate change. These federal investments in the Low Carbon Transportation Material Grants Program are part of the Inflation Reduction Act.An FHWA fact sheet highlights that about 11% of GHG emissions from the infrastructure industry result from embodied carbon in construction materials. Traditionally, these materials have significant embodied carbon emissions due to energy-intensive processes.

States Receiving Green Transportation Material Grants

Several states received large grants under this program. California, Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin each received $31.9 million.Other states with varying distributions include New Mexico ($29.8 million), Hawaii ($28.9 million), New Jersey ($27.8 million), Arizona ($27 million), Mississippi ($26.6 million), and Vermont ($14.5 million).U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva supported the FHWA's grant, noting its importance in reducing pollution and mitigating climate change. He will continue to advocate for such programs.In Colorado, lawmakers enacted legislation to ensure the use of greener state transportation materials. The "Global Warming Potential For Public Project Materials" legislation requires contractors to submit an environmental product declaration for eligible materials.Iowa plans to incorporate low carbon transportation construction materials into its transportation infrastructure design, as outlined in its 2024 Carbon Reduction Strategy.U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids welcomed the federal funding in Kansas, emphasizing its role in creating jobs and strengthening the economy.Michigan will use the grant to create procedures for including and verifying low-carbon materials. It also aims to incentivize contractors as best practices are established. MDOT officials will focus on lowering emissions in concrete and asphalt materials and create an emissions rating scale.

EPA's New Labels for Highway Construction Materials

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a new label program in August to assist buyers in making greener choices. The goal is to create labels similar to nutrition labels on food to identify green construction materials.On November 12, EPA began offering advisory support to manufacturers on developing Environmental Product Declarations for construction materials.These federal and state government efforts are in the early stages of development. By using their powers, agencies are seeking to bring about changes in the marketplace for transportation materials. Only time will tell the full impact of these efforts on climate change and the financial outcomes for businesses.