Your doctor says you're obese!

megalin9

I don't have a problem with a doctor using that terminology. I have a problem with a doctor using that as the culprit for all other health issues.

Patient: Hey, Doc. My shoulder has really been bothering me.
Doc: That's because you are obese.

Patient: Hey, Doc. My allergies are out of control.
Doc: That's because you are obese.

^^^This is the only thing I find offensive. Fortunately, I've only HEARD of people with experiences like these and haven't actually experienced it myself.

brevislux

Seriously, I'm not bothered. I've never been obese, but I don't care what it is they say to me so long as it's true - they're just doing their job. Even if it's an embarrassing thing for me to bring up to anyone, why should you care about it when it's a doctor? They see dozens of patients a day and they're not specifically interested in you more than anyone else. I'm sure there are scumbags but they have no interest in saying stuff just to insult us, it's a health issue.

Hexahedra

Doctors are not necessarily the most suave people out there, otherwise they would become salesmen. Whether he says "you are obese" or "you are in the obese range" the fact remains that you're obese. Just appreciate him for recognizing the problem and advising you to work on it.

jetscreaminagain

Oh and as far as softening the blow I tell them that now this is simply a clinical term based on defined standards. It has no basis in your health, and often times doctors have to use the for insurance coverage purposes.

I usually like to throw it on the insurance companies because it softens the blow. I'll then explain how this is determined and hopefully they understand a bit more and the pain has been some what alleviated.

"It has no basis in your health "?!?! Are you kidding?

Obesity has devastating impacts on health and you do a huge disservice to your patients and the doctors you work for to give any other message than that. People don't change until they are too uncomfortable and unhappy with the status quot. Alleviating their discomfort by misleading them about the health impacts of their obesity so you don't have to face their difficult emotions is a terrible thing to do! And probably delays or prevents them making changes and saving their own health!
:noway:

wannabpiper

Rather than saying to a patient that (s)he is obese, a good medical professional should address it as an "unhealthy weight" and explain how it is impacting the patient's health. I believe that it should always be addressed at least once. Since it is a health issue, a practitioner would be remiss if she did not address it with her patients. Harping is another issue; it's unnecessary if the patient is not interested/willing to make the necessary changes. If the patient is interested in changing her lifestyle to accommodate weight loss, then the practitioner should refer the patient in the right direction.

Skeebee

Honesty is the best policy...and I would be worried if a doctor was sugar coating anything. Don't see why this is an issue with some people!!

Chelz2013

I've had many different Doctors due to job changes, insurance changes, moving, health issues, etc. and I'm actually surprised that not every single one of them told me I was overweight or obese or anything. No discussion whatsoever.

Now, granted, I know I'm overweight. I've been overweight my whole life.

I had ONE Doctor tell me and when I ASKED for HELP they didn't offer one bit of helpful advice, didn't refer me to a dietician or anything. That was me reaching out for help and they didn't do squat. That's disturbing.

It's taken me a long time to do something for myself. I am more committed now to changing my lifestyle and health for the better and the permanent than I've ever been. That's empowering!