A stern word from the doctor was once the prescription for anyone looking to shed a few pounds.
But it seems doctors should avoid calling patients fat if they want to help them lose weight, a study suggests.
Patients are more likely to lose weight if their doctor advises them in an optimistic tone – without mentioning obesity, body mass index or weight as a problem.
Researchers at the University of Oxford found that people lost the most weight when obesity treatments were presented as good news and an “opportunity” rather than emphasizing the negative consequences of obesity.
Patients are more likely to lose weight if their doctor advises them in an optimistic tone and does not view obesity, body mass index or weight as a problem
They were less likely to participate in the programs and lose weight when doctors emphasized the negative consequences of obesity or used neutral language.
Patient encounters were analyzed in 38 GP practices in England. It surveyed 87 GPs who spoke to patients about a free 12-week weight loss programme.
Researchers examined whether the language used during the appointment influenced patient behavior, including program participation and weight loss outcomes.
These exchanges are then divided into three categories: “good news,” “bad news,” and “neutral.”
Those who used the good news approach communicated positively and optimistically, focused on the benefits of weight loss, and presented the weight loss program as an opportunity.
According to findings published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, these doctors rarely mentioned obesity, body mass index or weight as problems.
Others highlighted the “problem” of obesity and focused on the challenges of weight management, with a speech that expressed regret and pessimism.
The neutral intelligence service – the most commonly observed – had neither positive nor negative characteristics.
Those who used the Good News advice approach lost the most weight, with an average of 4.8kg over 12 months, compared with 2.7kg in the Bad News group and 1.2kg in the neutral group.
Researchers suggested that this was probably due to a higher percentage of people signing up for the 12-week weight loss program: 87 percent, compared to less than half in the other groups.
They said the findings “could significantly change the way doctors approach conversations with patients.”
Dr Charlotte Albury, lead author and researcher at Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, said it showed the importance of positivity.
She said: “We found that when doctors framed the conversation as ‘good news’ and positively highlighted the benefits and options of weight loss, patients were more likely to enroll in a weight loss program, attend more sessions, etc. Most importantly, it loses more weight compared to neutral or negative framing.
“We know that words matter, and this research shows that they do – both in the short and long term.”
“Overall, our research shows that subtle changes in communication can significantly affect patient outcomes one year later.
“The elements that made up ‘good news’ were subtle but had a clear and positive impact.”
What should a balanced diet look like?
According to the NHS, meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains
• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count
• Basic meals with potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole grain cereal crackers, 2 thick slices of whole grain bread, and a large baked potato with the skin still on
• Provide some dairy products or milk alternatives (eg soya drinks) and opt for lower fat and lower sugar options
• Eat beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one portion fatty).
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small amounts
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day
• Adults should consume less than 6 grams of salt and 20 grams of saturated fat for women and 30 grams for men per day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
