Sammanfattning
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.