Treating The 'Obese'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Sometimes I think medical terms get in the way of providing quality care to our patients.

We have many highly technical words that we use to describe medical procedures or medications. Many of these words also sound alike and can cause confusion. But one word is used commonly and I see it as a tremendous obstacle to care. The word is obese.

When a person is obese in medical speak it means that they have a BMI over a certain number. The measurement and word help us with treatment but when a patient hears the word obese they may be insulted.

I think that how information is presented can have a major role in care and success of treatments. Since the word obese has a negative connotation, it might make sense to use another word.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor