With just one look at her 430-pound body, people instantly have a negative perception about the status of Sarah Bramblette's health and nature of her character. But, her excess weight is due to a medical condition called Lipedema, not poor lifestyle choices. The obesity epidemic affects two-thirds of American adults, yet research shows that weight bias in the healthcare industry actually hinders patients’ ability to receive quality care, which creates a cycle that leads to poorer overall health. The rising cost of healthcare affects everyone and so everyone should play a role in breaking the bias that inhibits the efforts to reduce obesity.
Sarah Bramblette is a student in NSU’s M.S. in Health Law program. Living with lipedema and lymphedema, she combines her experiences as a patient and a healthcare administrative professional in her advocacy efforts. Despite the daily challenges of living with a chronic medical condition, she uses her positive perspective to win allies in her fight to make the world a better place.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx