health

Tips for physicians on discussing young patients' weight

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Oct. 3, 2011

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When doctors discuss the weight of young patients with parents, they should avoid using the terms "fat," "obese" and "extremely obese," says a study published online Sept. 26 in Pediatrics.

The survey of 445 parents assessed their perceptions of 10 common terms that describe excess body weight in youth. The study found the terms "weight" and "unhealthy weight" were rated as the most desirable words to describe youths' excess body weight (link). Parents considered "unhealthy weight" and "weight problem" the most motivating terms to help their child shed pounds. They rated the terms "fat," "obese" and "extremely obese" as the most undesirable words.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/03/hlbf1003.htm.

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