Should we say “obese person” or “person with obesity”? Does the difference really matter?
In this episode of Weight & Measure with Mike and Zach, we explore person first language, weight stigma, internalized weight bias, and how the words we use can shape the way people living with obesity are treated and how they see themselves.
We're joined by Nina Crowley, PhD, RDN; Renee Rogers, PhD; Leslie Golden, MD; Robyn Pashby, PhD; and Angela Fitch, MD for a wide-ranging conversation about why language matters in obesity care and why person first language shouldn't be something we expect only from physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Person first language means putting the person before the condition: “a person with obesity” rather than “an obese person.” As the panel discusses, obesity is something a person may live with, not the entirety of who they are.
But this episode goes beyond terminology.
What happens when people living with obesity describe ourselves as “I'm obese,” “I've always been the fat one,” or “I'm the funny fat friend”? The panel explores how weight stigma can begin externally and eventually become internalized, influencing identity, expectations, healthcare experiences and the language people use about themselves.
We also discuss the very real consequences of weight bias in healthcare. When people feel stigmatized in medical settings, it can affect trust and even whether they return for care. Zach shares his own experience of having a complication after metabolic & bariatric surgery initially attributed to his behavior rather than investigating whether the treatment itself had failed.
And yes, Zach breaks out the siren, police badge and hat to confront one of the biggest criticisms of conversations like this:
🚨 Are we becoming the “language police”?
The panel tackles the tension between encouraging person first, stigma reducing language and respecting the words individuals choose to use for themselves.
The conversation also explores:
- “Obese” vs. “person with obesity”
- Why weight stigma in healthcare matters
- Internalized weight bias and self identity
- Saying “I'm fat” or reclaiming the word “fat”
- Being the “funny fat friend”
- Person first language vs. language policing
- Good food, bad food and cheat meals
- How fitness and wellness culture talks about larger bodies
- Why obesity treatment isn't a matter of willpower
- Why saying a patient “failed” bariatric surgery, medication or a diet places moral judgment on the person
- How healthcare professionals, patients and advocates can help change the way we talk about obesity
One of the most powerful ideas from the discussion comes when the panel examines the concept that patients don't fail treatments; treatments can fail patients. The episode challenges the moral judgment embedded in saying someone “failed” bariatric surgery, medication or another obesity treatment and asks why obesity is treated differently from other chronic diseases.
Ultimately, person first language isn't about memorizing a list of words you're allowed or not allowed to say.
It's about becoming more intentional about the language we use, remaining curious about its impact, and remembering that the person comes before the label.
🎙️ Weight & Measure with Mike and Zach
More Science. Less Stigma.
Listen to Weight & Measure:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/45vJYXZC0ciTNpfwoc9CVI
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weight-measure/id1886848263
Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/183597e3-d4de-4d93-a7c0-55f0cc6018bd/weight-measure
#Obesity #WeightStigma #PersonFirstLanguage #ObesityMedicine #WeightBias #ObesityCare #GLP1 #BariatricSurgery #WeightAndMeasure
