Friday July 25th, 2008
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Obese or Just Chubby?
Posted by Su Avasthi on June 13, 2007 - 10:34pm.
To sugarcoat or not to sugarcoat, that is the question. When it comes to obese children, most pediatricians go for the sweeter option.
Instead of calling a kid "obese," a panel of experts says that too many doctors use "fuzzy" language to discuss children's' weight problems.
We're familiar with "fuzzy" words for fat kids: Chubby, baby fat, big-boned, pudgy. The medical equivalent of these words are "at risk for being overweight" or "overweight," even if a child is obviously obese. The terms are based on official, and possibly out-of-date Center for Disease Control guidelines.
Physicians take a gentle approach for many valid reasons. Labeling a kid "fat" or "obese" could create or worsen low self-esteem issues. Children may be embarrassed or humiliated. Worse, they are at greater risk for developing an eating disorder.
It makes sense that physicians might soften the blow when talking with a family about a child's weight problem. But, when well-meaning docs soften the blow, are they actually killing their patients with kindness?
Experts say that pediatricians owe it to their patients to discuss obesity as a medical issue. The group presented these findings to the American Medical Association and the CDC, and hope to establish new guidelines for medical professionals who work with kids.
Given the scope of the problem -- some 17 percent of kids in this country are obese and one-third are overweight -- doctors need to discuss the risks with parents. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems and other serious health issues. A frank conversation about obesity could prompt children's families to make healthier choices.
Personally, I'm really torn on this one. I'm sure that most kids would feel ashamed by being defined as obese -- because the term has a cultural stigma; it is not simply a medical definition. On the other hand, I'm not a health professional who works on the front lines of this growing epidemic. In this case, what is kind today could be terribly cruel tomorrow.
What do you think: Should docs avoid labeling kids with weight problems? Or should they be brutally honest, even if the truth hurts?
Image from MedicineWorld.org
Topics:
- Health
- balance
- childhood obesity
- children
- children's health
- health
- ideal body weight
- obese
- overweight
- weight
Along with the telling the parents their child is obese (and I do think Doctors should use that word) the parents should be given helpful guidelines of how to reduce their child's weight. A dietician should be consulted as well as a child psychologist or behavioralist. If this is truly an epidemic we should treat it as so and make sure parents are given the tools they need to fight the disorder, even if it is a touchy subject.
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I do think that there should be considerate vocabulary when addressing children, they are quite softer than adults. However, I do think that while doctors should speak to the parents and be brutally honest, they should also speak to the child and explain the situation and the risks involved in a somewhat G-Rated version. As a child I know that if after a doctor's appointment my mom suddenly started changing my diet, I'd have a lot of questions for her, it's important to include kids in decision making when it involves them. I don't necessarily support calling a kid obese to his face, but then again it is the appropriate term and we're never going to get rid of that stigma if we don't start accepting the word for what it is.
if you need proof that your child is overweight and want to go to the doc to get this verified, i think the doc should tell the parents and the child. why hide facts? although if a child is obese, or even just overweight, no matter how much or little, why cant the parents see themeselves that their children are overweight and adjust the childs diet. why wait for your child to be diagnosed? its not rocket science. even better yet, why even let your child get into that condition in the first place? i see so many overweight, obese kids munching on fatty foods, crisps, chocolate bars and soft drinks and i think what the hell is wrong with these parents?
a couple of kids in my family are overweight, their parents sit ithem infront of the tv with snacks, they play video games, dont go out or get fresh air. they eat microwave convenience foods.
why does obesity need to be diagnosed, isnt it blatantly obvious when one is overweight? also, to me at least it is plain to see why kids get overweight in the first place, its poor diets. when i was younger (im only 25 now) i knew 1 or 2 overweight children. nowadays the ratio is so much higher. kids dont get out enough, they need hobbies and to keep active. its got nothing to do with rigorous exercise regimes, its just a balance between normal activity and a superb, organic diet - GM, pesticide, insecticide, sugar, artificial sweetener and additive free. no sweet drinks, water and herbal teas or home made fruit juices without additives. whats going on in the world? a good diet is common sense to me
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obesity already is an eating disorder
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