A recent qualitative study has found that older adults living with obesity often feel judged or dismissed by care providers because of their weight, which can lead to a reluctance to seek help. This research, conducted by teams at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of West London, draws attention to the social and systemic barriers many older individuals face in accessing appropriate care. The findings indicate that these barriers are physical and deeply emotional, contributing to the neglect of crucial care needs within this population.
The study, published in PLOS One, involved in-depth interviews with 33 older adults and examined their experiences with formal and informal care systems. Participants reported concerns over being negatively perceived due to their weight, often preventing them from requesting help. Some even described interactions with care providers that reinforced feelings of shame or inadequacy. These social pressures, the study notes, act as a powerful deterrent, leaving some individuals to struggle in silence rather than face potential stigma or embarrassment.
Beyond these social concerns, participants also encountered numerous physical obstacles in accessing care. Many reported that standard equipment and facilities were ill-suited to their needs, often lacking in size, stability, or safety features necessary for individuals with higher body weights. For instance, inadequate seating, narrow doorways, or inaccessible bathrooms created daily challenges and increased the risk of injury. These physical limitations, combined with the perception of being unwelcome or burdensome, contributed to deep feelings of isolation and, in some cases, worsened physical and mental health outcomes.
Emotional and psychological effects were also prominent in the participants’ accounts. Many spoke of heightened stress, frustration, and a sense of social discrimination. Several felt like a burden to their families or caregivers, particularly when their needs could not be easily accommodated. In some cases, obesity-related health issues have forced individuals out of employment, leading to financial hardship. Others described a growing sense of helplessness, made worse by a lack of access to hobbies, suitable housing adaptations, or consistent social support. These unmet needs left many participants trapped in an environment that neither understood nor supported their lived experience.
To address these issues, the researchers developed a new framework for understanding the unique care needs of older adults with obesity. This model is designed to help healthcare professionals and policymakers identify specific areas where care systems are failing. By targeting these gaps, the study suggests that more effective, inclusive, and cost-efficient care strategies can be implemented. It advocates for preventative measures, flexible care planning, and improvements to infrastructure, alongside cultural shifts in how obesity is perceived and discussed within the care sector.
Dr Gargi Ghosh, lead author and Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at ARU highlighted the urgency of reform. She stressed that as the population ages and obesity rates continue to rise, the consequences of failing to address this issue will only intensify. According to the 2022 Health Survey for England, over a third of adults aged 55 to 74 are now living with obesity. Dr Ghosh called for comprehensive changes, including increased awareness among care professionals, specific training to address weight-related bias, and creating care environments that accommodate all bodies. The study serves as a call to action, urging a shift towards a more compassionate and equitable approach to social care.
More information: Gargi Ghosh et al, A qualitative study to examine hidden care burden for older adults with overweight and obesity in England, PLOS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320253
Journal information: PLOS One Provided by Anglia Ruskin University
