Communicating with Compassion: Rethinking the Obesity Conversation

How we talk about obesity matters.

Language shapes perception—and in healthcare, the words we choose can either build trust or reinforce stigma. For individuals living with obesity, that distinction makes a real difference in how they engage with care, adhere to treatment, and feel seen in the process.

Whether you’re a clinician, coach, or healthcare leader, it’s time to rethink how we communicate about weight, health, and identity. These evidence-based resources from the Abbott Nutrition Health Institute (ANHI) offer valuable guidance to help you create more respectful, compassionate, and effective conversations.

Let’s explore the how and why—and share tools that can help transform your approach to obesity care.

Start with People-First Language

We don’t say “cancerous” when referring to someone with cancer—so why do we still hear “obese patients” in clinical settings?

People-first language shifts the focus to the person, not the condition. Saying “a person living with obesity” respects the individual and acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure.

Watch this 2-minute video to understand the small but mighty impact this language change can make.

Get Curious: Align Values with Outcomes

In a culture quick to prescribe weight loss and quick fixes, taking a curious approach is refreshing—and effective.

Ask yourself: What does this person value? Is it playing with their kids, improving mobility, reducing medication? When we align care goals with personal values, motivation becomes internal—and sustainable.

This short video explains how curiosity, not judgment, can open the door to true partnership.

Support Every Step of the Way

Weight journeys are never linear. If you’re working in obesity care, you know that success doesn’t always show up on the scale—and that’s okay.

“Every Step of the Way” is a reminder that patients need support through ups, downs, and everything in between. Let’s meet them with empathy, not expectation.

Redefine Success Beyond the Scale

Let’s be clear: scale weight is just one metric. Body composition, mobility, labs, energy levels, quality of life—these all tell a richer story of health.

We’re in the business of helping people feel better and live better, not just weigh less. This powerful video challenges the idea that success is only a number.

Listen to Understand: Ask for Permission

Before launching into goals or advice, ask: “Would it be okay if we talked about this today?”

This small act of consent builds trust, shows respect, and centers the person—not the provider.

I love how this ANHI podcast episode reframes goal-setting as a shared process. It’s worth a listen.

Infographic to Share with Your Team

Sometimes we all need a cheat sheet. This infographic is a great visual reminder of how to communicate more effectively—and compassionately—with people living with obesity. Hang it in your break room. Email it to your team. Print it for onboarding.

Personalized Nutrition and Muscle Health Matter

Obesity care isn’t just about weight—it’s about wellness. And that means muscle health, functional movement, and lifestyle alignment.

The ANHI course on personalized approaches is a great primer for clinicians looking to deepen their understanding of how nutrition and muscle impact long-term outcomes. You’ll also walk away with new tools to help tailor treatment to each individual.

Let’s Keep Doing Better

At seca, we’re proud to support providers who are committed to precise, personal, and proven obesity care. The conversation around weight is changing—and it starts with us.

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep listening. And most importantly, let’s keep showing up with compassion and curiosity for the people we serve.

Ready to go deeper?

Explore more of Abbott Nutrition Health Institute’s obesity resources and let us know which tools are helping you transform your conversations.

Stay Connected with Abbott Nutrition Health Institute

Looking for more expert insights on obesity, nutrition, and patient-centered care? Follow Abbott Nutrition Health Institute across platforms for evidence-based content, professional education, and inspiring conversations:

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Tap into a global community of healthcare professionals committed to improving nutrition and obesity care—one conversation at a time.