What do patients want from health care professionals regarding weight?
• Talk. Many patients want to talk about weight with health care professionals who offer respect and empathy for their struggles with weight control. However, before starting a conversation about weight control with your patients, give them a few minutes to discuss other issues that may be affecting their physical or emotional well-being. • Non-offensive terms. Patients prefer the terms “weight” or “excess weight,” and dislike the terms “obesity,” “fatness,” and “excess fat.” • Advice they can use. Many patients want help setting realistic goals. They may want to know what to eat and what and how much physical activity is appropriate. For example, some patients will want to know how to become more physically active without causing injury or aggravating problems such as joint pain. Others will want advice on choosing appropriate weight-loss products and services.
