We expect the doctor to take care of our health comprehensively: referring them to appropriate examinations and to a specialist. It turns out, however, that it is not so obvious whether the patient will benefit from direct remark about body weight. It all depends on how the doctor does it.
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Doctor’s approach
Do you feel offended that your doctor has told you about being overweight? Do you think that he cut your wings instead of motivating? You may be right! Research shows that overweight and obese people who feel ‘judged’ by their doctor are more likely to fail to lose weight, even though they try it more often. Doctors should encourage patients to normalize their body weight. This has a good effect not only on psychological comfort, but also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. However, the negative feelings associated with such a reprimand can do more harm than good. The role of the doctor is not easy, there is a very fine line between judgment and a sensitive approach and objective advice.
The doctor’s approach to an obese or overweight person plays a key role in the process of future weight loss.
The research speaks for itself
Internet-based studies were carried out in 600 overweight or obese adults who regularly visit a healthcare practitioner. The participants were asked to answer the question: “In the last 12 months, have you ever felt that your doctor is judging you based on your body weight?” 21 percent participants answered in the affirmative (group I). 96 percent of them actually tried to lose weight in the previous year, compared to 84%. people who did not feel assessed by a doctor (group II). However, only 14 percent. the first group lost 10 percent or more of their body weight, while the goal was 20 percent. from the second group.
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Only two-thirds of the study participants reported that the doctor spoke with them about losing weight. Doctors avoid talking about it a delicate subject, so as not to offend the pupils. Healthcare professionals need to learn how to talk about it in a way that makes patients feel understood and supported, rather than being judged. They should also focus on advice on how to achieve a loss of 10 percent in small steps. current body weight. Bigger goals can lead to frustration and abandonment of good habits.
Photo courtesy of NEC Corporation of America / Foter / CC BY
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