Telemedicine is when doctors give medical help using phones or computers. They can talk to patients, see them, and prescribe medicines without meeting in person.

Some popular telehealth platforms in America include Teladoc, Amwell, and Doctor on Demand. 

These platforms let people connect with doctors through apps or websites for medical advice and treatment without going to a clinic.

In 2021, 37.0% of US adults tried telemedicine. Even after COVID-19, Medicare still covers telemedicine. Private insurers might do the same. 

Telemedicine lets people get medical help without going in person, which is useful for people who find it hard to go to the doctor often.

People with obesity face problems getting healthcare. They might deal with weight bias and stigma. Weight bias is when people have bad thoughts about overweight people.

Obesity means being very overweight, having too much body fat. In the USA, about 42.4% of adults are obese. 

That's almost half of all adults in the country. Also, about 18.5% of kids and teenagers in the USA have obesity. It's a big health issue.

Stigma is when people discriminate against overweight people, leading to sadness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Doctors and hospitals can be sources of weight bias and stigma.

Getting Medical Help

People with obesity need regular check-ups to lose weight. Telemedicine helps them join weight loss programs without going out, which avoids the stigma they might face.

Some people with high body mass index need special transport to go to clinics. Telemedicine lets them get help from home.

Feeling Comfortable

In hospitals, things like gowns and chairs might not fit people with obesity. This makes them uncomfortable. 

Telemedicine lets people weigh themselves at home, avoiding embarrassment. It also lets them talk face-to-face with their doctor on a screen.

Studies show telemedicine is as good as in-person visits for people with obesity. Patients using telemedicine lost weight with medications. It also helps people with chronic diseases.

Telemedicine helps people with obesity get specialist care and reduces weight bias and stigma.

Research is limited on whether people like using telemedicine for obesity care or if it really helps. But, a study by Tchang and colleagues found that telemedicine works well.

People with obesity who took anti-obesity medicines and used telemedicine lost a significant amount of weight in 6 months. This suggests that telemedicine can give good results, similar to in-person visits.

Benefits of Telemedicine

Telemedicine isn't just about avoiding stigma; it has other advantages too. It helps patients manage health problems and lifestyles that might make going to the doctor tough. 

People with chronic diseases also benefit from telemedicine. It makes things easier for them.

Telemedicine is like a virtual tool that connects patients and specialists.

It's a good way to get care without facing the difficulties that come with in-person visits. For people with obesity, telemedicine is turning out to be a helpful and supportive option.

Telemedicine is playing a crucial role in healthcare, especially for those dealing with obesity. It helps people get medical care without facing weight bias and stigma.

It's easy to use, and studies show it can be as effective as in-person visits. It is becoming a valuable tool to improve the health and well-being of individuals, making healthcare accessible and comfortable for everyone.