Don’t use the word FAT!!!!
Really…well many of my clients who present with issues around weight use this word. Used descriptively its surely ok. Used offensively as an insult then obviously its not.
The debate rages! A recent article in the Daily Mail by a leading weight clinic guru suggested it was a parents duty to tell their overweight children they are fat. This commentator criticised the political correctness that constrains professionals ..teachers…doctors…nurses etc… who are working with overweight children and their parents. ‘Fat’ used as a descriptive term has impact. Everyone knows what it means and I think used in a non abusive manner, with support well I don’t have a problem with it. I typically for example suggest that a body fat percentage scale is a far better way of monitoring change than simple scales as we are when losing weight usually talking about losing body fat.
This last week the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued draft guidance for doctors treating obese of overweight patients. This guidance suggests ‘respectful’ and ‘non-blaming’ advice and also suggests patients be referred to weight loss programmes including those run by commercial companies, to help them lose weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) document, which is subject to a three-month consultation, suggests all health professionals dealing with overweight or obese people should monitor their tone in order to “minimise harm”
The abrupt style that many have taken so far has only made matters worse”
It states all healthcare professionals should “be aware of the effort needed to lose weight and avoid further weight gain and the stigma adults who are overweight or obese may feel or experience”.
It adds: “Ensure the tone and content of all communications or dialogue is respectful and non-blaming.
“The terminology used to describe the person’s condition should respect individual preferences.”
NHS care providers should also ensure equipment and facilities “meet the needs of most adults who are overweight or obese”.
Those overseeing NHS weight management programmes should tell patients how much weight they can “realistically” expect to lose, and that no programme is a “magic bullet”, the document says.
Instead, stress should be put on the “importance of making gradual, long-term changes to their eating habits and physical activity and how much weight they might realistically expect to lose in total and on a weekly basis if they adhere to the programme”.
I generally agree with the tone of this draft. Respect is a given in any good practice as are ethics and I like to think that advice re any programme be it my own or one delivered elsewhere takes account of all the current thinking and research that points to lifestyle change as the key. As stated I worry less about the language as in a supportive empathetic context that any health practitioner of merit would create most words have their use and relevance.
I welcome your views!