Doctor's Duty to Treat: Can Obesity Be a Factor?

The answer to this question depends on the specific circumstances and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the doctor is practicing. In general, doctors have a duty to provide medical care to patients without regard to their personal characteristics, including their weight. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule.

For example, in the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including obesity. This means that doctors may not refuse to treat a patient simply because they are obese. However, doctors may be able to refuse to provide treatment if they can show that the patient's obesity poses a safety risk to the doctor or other staff members.

Additionally, some states have laws that specifically protect the rights of obese patients. For example, in the state of California, the Obesity Action Coalition has successfully lobbied for legislation that prohibits doctors from refusing to treat patients because of their weight.

If you are an obese patient and you are refused medical treatment, you may want to contact a lawyer to discuss your rights.