I had two different patients in yesterday who provided some interesting thoughts about talking to others about weight loss. One patient is a female, mid thirties in for a sinus infection. She was an ex-model who has no weight problems at all, and she saw the literature in the office about our weight loss program. The patient asked me whether I give out brochures and other marketing materials to my medical patients who are overweight. I told her that it is a fairly senstivie issues to bring up in discussions whe someone is not in for a general wellness visit. Obviously, if a patient comes in for a physical examination , part of the exam is a weight measurement, and then if the number is not optimal, I have a very easy time bringing up weight control to help overall health. However, when an overweight person presents for a sore throat, especially when the person is not a chronic patient, it is somewhat awkward to start talking about our fabulous weight loss program. The person only has to look in the mirror to see he/she is overweight...they know it already. The ex-model patient, being in great shape, beautiful, etc. thought it was odd that I would not tell every overweight patient about the program directly as opposed to just having literature around the office.
Another patient who joined our program said her motivation was her husband making a comment to her to the effect of "hey...you have gained a little weight since we got married a year ago...". The patient was taken somewhat aback by the statement, felt hurt a bit, but then decided to do something aggressive about it.
These examples highlight the relative sensitivity that we all have approaching others about weight issues. We fear hurting their feelings, making them self-conscious, having them be angry with us etc. However, as a physician, am i not being a bit negligent, even if the person is not here for that reson, to not bring up their weight problem from a health standpoint? As a relative, friend, lover etc, are you really being a cruel person to encourage a loved one to lose weight for health reasons?
I would be greatly interested in your comments on this...if you cannot post to the blog, feel free to e-mail me at: serotab@aol.com
On a non medical note,...Get Smart picture...2 Stethoscopes up!!!! GREAT, FUNNY picture...Anne Hathoway and Steve Carrell are hilarious. Mel Brooks , original creator was involved. If you can pinpoint exactly in the moveie when his infliuence on this film occurs, I will give you a certificate for a free movie for two.
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