Calling obese people hurts them, says they live with obesity, advise psychologists

redo not call obese people – use expressions such as "living with obesity" – suggests the British Psychological Society.

Their new report calls for changes in the language used to describe weight, stating that obesity should not be considered a choice nor as a reflection of a weak will.

According to psychologists, finding new ways to describe the problem could mean that those who have to lose weight are more likely to accept health advice.

And they said it was "more holistic" to describe such people as "obese people" or "obese people" rather than just calling them obese.

"It is important to avoid the language and explanations that localize the" problem "of obesity in individuals. Although obesity is caused by behavior, these behaviors do not always involve "choice" or "personal responsibility". What people eat and the amount of physical activity they do is largely determined by their genes, psychological factors and social environment, "they conclude.

The authors of the study argue that people become obese or obese because of a complex combination of factors, including genetics, childhood stress responses, sedentary lifestyles, and lack of healthy eating options. .

They said: "Obesity is not simply due to the lack of will of an individual. The people most likely to be unhealthy are those who have a high genetic risk of developing obesity and whose lives are also shaped by work, education and society. supportive environments for overeating and inactivity.

"People living in disadvantaged areas are often subjected to high levels of stress, including major life difficulties and trauma, and often their neighborhoods offer few opportunities and incentives for physical activity. are limited.

The report states that dieters are also "particularly likely to eat emotionally".

And he said that many of those who had weight problems were very sensitive to criticism.

"Weight stigma interferes with the relationship between a patient and their health care provider.

This can leave people feeling belittled, reprimanded and neglected. This worries them not to be taken seriously and leaves them reluctant to deal with weight issues.