Provider tool initiates patient conversations on weight released by STOP Obesity Alliance

BOSTON — The Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance on Wednesday released a tool for healthcare providers that offers guidance and suggestions on how to initiate conversations with adult patients about weight and health. "Why Weight? A Guide to Discussing Obesity & Health With Your Patients" is a unique tool designed to help providers build a safe and trusting environment with patients to facilitate open, productive conversations about weight. 

 

Weight is a complex and sensitive issue, and conversations surrounding the topic can be challenging. Because obesity and overweight affect two-thirds of Americans, healthcare providers increasingly are being called on to support their patients in matters dealing with weight.

 

 

Many providers have concerns about how to begin discussing weight in ways that are empowering and nonjudgmental. The tool discusses potential scenarios providers may face and suggests ways to approach the conversation.

 

“Research has shown that behavioral and medical treatment can be effective, but improvised and uninformed discussions may stigmatize, shame or fail to engage patients, to the detriment of the provider-patient relationship and patient outcomes,” said STOP Obesity Alliance director William Dietz. “This tool offers providers a unique and much-needed resource that can help them to facilitate conversations about weight.” 

 

In addition to skills for building a safe, trusting environment with patients and facilitating productive conversations about weight, the guide also includes practical information on coding and patient accommodation.

 

STOP developed the guide using a comprehensive process that included conducting an audit of available research on provider-patient communication and consultation with a range of experts from obesity practice and research, primary care practice, nutrition education, women’s health, minority health and the patient community to offer insight based on their expertise and to guide development of the tool.

 

“We are thrilled to have taken part in the process to develop this tool and think it does an excellent job of responding to a real need among providers for resources to initiate these difficult conversations,” said Wendy Nickel, director, Center for Patient Partnership in Healthcare for the American College of Physicians. “It is a well-informed and valuable resource.”