18/11/2025
A key pillar of modern health care is focused on measuring our size, weight and shape, mapping those measurements onto charts and graphs, comparing them against averages and man-made ‘ideals’, and using them to assess, judge and make decisions which affect our lives.
“You’re too heavy; you should diet.”
“You’re too thin; you need to put on some weight.”
“You’re not entitled to fertility treatment, surgery, or medical help because you’re too overweight.”
"You should accept this medical treatment to help you lose weight, in order to get the care or treatment that you need."
“Your baby is too big/small, you should have an induction.”
“Your BMI is over 35, you can’t give birth here. You should definitely have more scans and these injections, though…”
But this approach isn’t evidence-based, respectful, appropriate, or kind.
Find out more in my book on Plus Size Pregnancy, at https://www.sarawickham.com/plus-size-pregnancy