FAT patients lose more weight if their doctor is upbeat about slimming classes, a study found.
People are less likely to show up for weight loss clinics if they were signed up by a gloomy medic warning of the health risks of carrying a spare tyre.
AlamyExperts said the way doctors speak to patients can ‘significantly influence’ their health[/caption]
Oxford University researchers said a doc’s tone is as important as what they say.
Audio analysis found 83 per cent of people attended slimming sessions if referred in a chipper manner that praised the benefits of a weight loss “opportunity”.
That compared to just 50 per cent whose doctor said it would be a hard road but a “necessary medical solution” to prevent ill health.
Patients who looked on the bright side also lost 8lbs (3.6kg) more on average.
Dr Charlotte Albury said: “This research shows words really do matter.
“We found that when doctors framed the conversation as ‘good news’ patients were more likely to enrol, attend more sessions and lose more weight.
“Subtle changes in communication can significantly influence patient outcomes one year later.”
The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, used audio and data from 246 patients in England referred by their GP for weight loss help.
Two thirds of people in England are overweight, including around 30 per cent who are obese.
Previous research has agreed that “fat-shaming” people can make their health worse and it is important to speak carefully.
Experts at a conference this year said obese people should should instead be called patients with “chronic appetite dysregulation”.
Dr Margaret Steele, of University College Cork, claimed that people are often obese because their brain signals are different.
She said: “It’s not a question of willpower, it’s not a question of making decisions.
“It’s at a much, much deeper level that we don’t really have full control over.
“They’re constantly being sent signals to eat and so they might respond by overeating.
“These are the people that need to get some kind of medical help.”