©
Obesity Canada
In the new review, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, the researchers looked at previous studies which have used specialist analysis of real doctor-patient interactions. By summarising the evidence available from these studies, the researchers were able to identify specific communication techniques that have been shown to support effective and well-received conversations about weight loss.
They found that clinicians should aim to:
-
Initiate communication about weight loss gently by softening their language, referencing a previous conversation about weight loss, or using meta-assessments such as ‘This might be an awkward conversation...’.
-
Tailor communication to what is relevant for the patient by referencing earlier conversations in the appointment, asking questions then tailoring responses, and accepting a patients’ response.
-
Communicate positively and emphasize the benefits of weight loss by including optimistic projections of the future, explicitly positive words, and a positive tone.
-
When possible, offer specific treatment, rather than advice only, clearly stating treatment options available, providing detail on where and how treatment can be accessed and any cost, and emphasizing the next step.