Discussing weight status with patients: words and context matter

Although primary care consultations appear to represent an excellent opportunity to discuss a patient’s weight status, GPs may be reluctant to do so. Excess weight can be an extremely sensitive issue and some terms (such as obese and fat) may provoke highly negative emotions. People who are overweight or obese say they would find unsolicited advice off-putting, but would also be more likely to try to lose weight if advised by a health professional than by family or friends.