Obese, fat, or just overweight?

BACKGROUND

Discussing obesity with the patient without this being perceived as offensive may represent a challenge. Prevention of lifestyle diseases requires that this topic be addressed with those concerned. In this study, we investigate the patients' sensitivity to expressions, i.e. their notions of appropriateness or inappropriateness regarding various terms for obesity, and what patient characteristics are associated with such sensitivity to expressions.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The investigation is part of a five-year study of patients in Central Norway who were treated for morbid obesity. The terms used in the study had been suggested by the Overweight Patients' Association. Data on sensitivity to expressions were collected with the aid of a questionnaire one year after completion of the treatment.

RESULTS

Altogether 157 out of 206 participants completed the questionnaire. Their average body mass index (BMI) (SD) amounted to 37.6 kg/m² (7.3 kg/m²). Their sensitivity to 14 different designations varied. «Weight», «overweight» and «weight problem» returned the best scores, whereas «obesitas», «obese» and «fat» were deemed least appropriate. The highest sensitivity to expressions was found among women, those who developed overweight early in life, those who had higher education and those who were dissatisfied with their weight.

INTERPRETATION: The perceptions of various expressions for overweight and obesity varied considerably. Knowledge about this topic may be relevant for doctors and other health personnel in prevention and treatment of obesity.