Australian of the Year and leading body image advocate Taryn Brumfitt has claimed that GPs risk turning patients off seeking care by raising their weight issues during short consultations.

“Many people in larger bodies tell us they have gone to the doctor with something like a sore knee, and come out with a ‘prescription’ for a very restrictive diet, and no ongoing support,” Ms Brumfitt told Nine Newspapers. 

“It’s not helpful in actually changing behaviour, and does a lot of harm.

“When people are made to feel this sort of shame about their bodies and their weight, the main behaviour they change is that they stop engaging with healthcare altogether.”