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Through direct statements to patients, physicians can influence risky behaviors, such as smoking. However, the value of being explicit with obese patients is unknown. A U.S. health and nutrition survey was used to assess the effect of physicians telling patients directly about their weight status.
About 5400 overweight or obese patients (body-mass index, ≥25 or ≥30 kg/m2) were asked about their awareness of being overweight, their desire and attempts to lose weight, and whether their physicians had told them that they were overweight. About 45% of overweight and 66% of obese participants recalled being told that they were overweight — these participants were more likely to identify themselves as overweight (94% vs. 63%) or obese (97% vs. 81%…