Breaking Barriers in Healthcare:
The Case for Size-Inclusive Care
Why Inclusivity in Healthcare Matters
For far too long, individuals in larger bodies have faced systemic barriers to receiving proper healthcare. Visiting a healthcare provider can often feel uncomfortable, dismissive, or even traumatic. The experience of weight stigma in medical settings—where healthcare providers assume that every health issue stems from a patient’s size—remains pervasive.
This stigma manifests in multiple ways, all of which prevent people from receiving the care they need:
🚨 Misdiagnosis – Too often, symptoms are dismissed as “just weight-related,” leading to missed diagnoses and untreated conditions.
🚨 Avoidance of Care – The fear of judgment or being shamed can deter individuals from seeking medical care altogether, leaving health issues unaddressed until they worsen.
🚨 Lack of Proper Equipment – Many healthcare offices fail to accommodate people with larger bodies, with seating that is too small, blood pressure cuffs that don’t fit, and exam tables that aren’t sturdy enough to support patients comfortably.
This is exactly why size-inclusive healthcare is not just a luxury but a necessity. Everyone, regardless of body size, deserves to receive respectful, dignified, and comprehensive care. It’s time to shift the narrative and focus on people’s overall health, rather than equating health solely with weight.
Nadia Walton: A Trailblazer for Size-Inclusive Healthcare
Nadia Walton, a passionate advocate for patients with larger bodies, founded Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics with one goal: to create a healthcare space that’s not just accessible but truly inclusive. This innovative practice provides a safe environment where every patient, regardless of body size, is treated with respect, empathy, and the utmost professionalism.
“Patients with larger bodies often feel judged before they even say a word,” says Nadia. “This has to change. We need to shift the focus from weight alone to overall health and well-being.”
Under Nadia’s guidance, Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics is reshaping the healthcare landscape by incorporating:
Holistic care that views patients as individuals rather than as numbers on a scale.
Compassionate interactions where patients feel heard and understood.
Accessible healthcare facilities that address the specific needs of larger-bodied individuals.
How We Can Create Inclusive Healthcare Spaces
Inclusive healthcare isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s an approach that improves outcomes for everyone. By fostering an environment where all patients feel valued, heard, and respected, we can break down barriers to care and ensure that health outcomes improve across the board. Here are some crucial strategies to make healthcare spaces more inclusive:
🏥 Providing Proper Equipment – Many healthcare settings still do not have the basic tools needed to care for patients in larger bodies. For example, medical offices should be equipped with sturdy, wide seating, weight-inclusive exam tables, and larger blood pressure cuffs that can accommodate diverse body types. These adjustments make patients feel respected and ensure that providers can conduct their assessments accurately and safely.
🩺 Shifting the Conversation – Healthcare professionals need to move beyond the outdated emphasis on weight loss as the primary focus of care. Instead, the conversation should center on overall well-being, functional mobility, and mental health. Every patient is unique, and their healthcare should be tailored to their personal needs and goals, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach based on size.
🤝 Building Trust & Compassion – Trust is foundational to any successful patient-provider relationship. Building a judgment-free environment where patients feel seen and respected is key to improving healthcare outcomes. Compassionate care can help reduce anxiety, increase follow-up appointments, and ensure that patients are more likely to follow through with treatment plans.
A New Approach to Obesity & Mobility Care
Nadia’s pioneering work at Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics provides an example of what size-inclusive care can look like in action. The clinic is committed to offering individualized programs designed to improve mobility, strength, and quality of life, regardless of size. Some of the key services Nadia and her team offer include:
✅ Physiotherapy Programs Tailored to Individual Mobility Needs – Rather than taking a blanket approach, physiotherapy programs at Laneways are customized to the unique physical abilities of each patient. This personalized care helps patients reach their mobility goals in a supportive and empowering environment.
✅ Multidisciplinary Weight Management Beyond Diet Culture – At Laneways, weight management is about health, not dieting. The clinic offers multidisciplinary support, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes, including exercise, mental health, and nutritional counseling. There is no single “quick fix”; instead, the focus is on long-term health goals that align with the patient’s life and values.
✅ Education for Healthcare Professionals – Nadia is dedicated to eliminating weight bias in healthcare by providing education for healthcare providers on how to approach patients of all sizes with respect and understanding. This includes training in compassionate communication, understanding the complexities of weight management, and treating all patients as individuals rather than making assumptions based on size.
💡 “Recognizing body diversity and adapting care to all patients is key to better health outcomes.” – Nadia Walton
The Future of Healthcare: Patient-Centered, Inclusive, and Empowering
The future of healthcare lies in the acknowledgment of body diversity and the importance of personalized care. As we continue to strive for a system that meets the needs of every individual, we must break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking care in the first place. By making healthcare more accessible, respectful, and inclusive, we can improve not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being.
Now is the time to lead the change and advocate for a healthcare system that prioritizes compassion over judgment. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or someone who cares deeply about health equity, it’s time to speak up and make a difference. Are you ready to be part of the movement?
