Doc's clapback on social media is a masterclass in physician empathy

An Instagram Reel recently went viral where a doctor called out a woman for refusing to do business with people who are overweight.

"Your body is a temple," the woman claims. "It shows whether you have self discipline, self respect, and care. If you don't have those things for you, you're definitely not gonna have those things for me, and I'm not doing business with you.

Tommy Martin, MD, an internal medicine and pediatric physician reminded those who came across his video that weight is not simply a matter of discipline.

"Unfortunately, there are a lot of people with a lot of privilege that have this same mindset, and they equate someone's weight and body figure to their worth, their self worth, their value, and what they can contribute to society. And that is just not okay," Dr. Martin says.

For many people, external factors such as medical conditions, living in food deserts, being a single parent, or dealing with trauma can significantly affect their ability to maintain a healthy weight, Dr. Martin continues.

These challenges often fly under the radar and aren’t always visible during a routine checkup, yet they play a pivotal role in shaping a patient's health.

The invisible barriers to healthy living

One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, barriers to healthy eating is the concept of food deserts. For patients living in areas where access to fresh produce and healthy food options is limited, it becomes a daily struggle to eat well. ^[]

When the only nearby food options are fast food chains or convenience stores stocked with processed snacks, patients are at a severe disadvantage.

Despite their best efforts, eating healthy can feel like an impossible task, and weight gain can feel like an inevitable consequence. It’s not a lack of willpower—it’s a lack of opportunity.

Single parents face a unique set of challenges as well. Juggling work, childcare, and household responsibilities leaves little time or energy for meal planning, grocery shopping, or preparing balanced meals. ^[]

Fast food is often the quickest, most affordable, and easiest option for feeding children after a long day. For these patients, it’s not about laziness or poor choices, but about survival in a world that doesn't always offer time or resources to do better.

Trauma—whether emotional, physical, or psychological—also plays a significant role in weight management. Many patients struggle with coping mechanisms that can include overeating or turning to unhealthy foods for comfort. ^[]

Trauma can trigger emotional eating, and without the right support or understanding, this cycle can be hard to break.

Addressing the root cause of the trauma is essential in supporting patients through their weight loss journey, but it’s often not something that can be resolved with simple dietary advice.

Discrimination in healthcare

The issue of weight bias and discrimination has also gained attention in recent years, as seen in Dr. Martin's Instagram Reel. This reel, which quickly spread across social media, highlights the harmful and often hidden prejudices that patients face simply because of their weight.

The woman in the video claimed that they wouldn’t work with overweight people, which raises a glaring issue: How can we expect patients to succeed in managing their weight when society, and even medical professionals, perpetuate such stigma?

This reinforces a cycle where patients feel ashamed, which only adds more emotional weight to the already challenging journey of losing or managing weight. As healthcare providers, we must be aware of this bias and actively work to eliminate it in our practices.

A call for understanding and compassion

Understanding the external factors that contribute to weight struggles is crucial for healthcare providers.

Acknowledging that living in a food desert, being a single parent, or experiencing trauma can have a profound impact on a patient’s weight is essential in offering holistic care.

It's also vital that we examine our own biases when addressing patients' weight concerns, ensuring that we create an environment that supports, rather than shames, those who struggle.

Let’s shift the narrative from blaming patients for their weight to empowering them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

"Can we please just be kind, quit judging, and show love to everyone regardless of what they look like?" Dr. Martin says. "It seems pretty simple. I'm not sure why it's so hard for people to do."