Changing the Way We Talk About Obesity
In the past, people with certain health conditions were often referred to by their
diseases. You might have heard doctors say things like "the diabetic patient" or "the
alcoholic in room 200." But times are changing, and it's time for us to change the way
we talk about obesity.
For years, patients with obesity have been labeled by their condition. But now, there's a
shift hain the medical community. Instead of saying "you are obese," doctors are starting
to use terms like "you have a disease called obesity" to describe the condition. It might
not seem like a big deal, but the language we use can have a big impact on how people
interpret our message and feel about themselves.
Imagine all the doctors referred as "the cancer patient" or "the diabetic patient". It
doesn't feel good, does it? That's why it's important for us to change the way we talk
about obesity. People are more than their diseases, and it's time we started treating
them that way.
Research has shown that reducing fat mass and weight is important for improving
health. But hearing negative words about your condition can be discouraging. By
changing the way we talk about obesity, we can help reduce stigma and make people
feel more empowered to take control of their health.
So let's remember that words matter. Let's treat each other with respect and dignity, and
let's work together to create a world where everyone feels valued and supported on
their journey to better health.
For those interested in further information, you can read source number 2. For a
shorter version please take a look at source 1.
Article, research and composition performed by Dr. Katz. Article polished by AI.
1. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(20)30102-9/fulltext
C Albury, WD Strain, S Le Brocq, J Logue… - The Lancet Diabetes & …, 2020 - thelancet.com
2. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00238-9/fulltext#secsectitle0095
