Health professionals ‘should watch language when discussing body weight’

The strongest feelings of disgust, contempt, and anger were associated with the use of the words ‘super obese’, ‘chubby’, and ‘fat’ respectively (PA)

Health professionals should steer away from using words such as “fat”, “chubby” and “extra-large” to avoid upsetting patients when discussing their weight, a new survey has suggested.

An online poll of nearly 3,000 mostly female British adults has indicated that people would prefer the use of the terms “weight”, “unhealthy weight” and “overweight”.