This week the headlines have been dominated by obesity-related news stories and statistics.

With a quarter of adults in Britain now classed as ‘obese’, and this figure predicted to double (pardon the pun), are shock tactics the solution?

Apparently not, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), who has advised health practitioners that the term “obesity” should not be used in discussions with… well, ‘o-b-e-s-e’, patients (http://tinyurl.com/7opug9n).

And, what’s the reason for this? Because it could be deemed derogatory! So… does this mean that they’re all thin at NICE, and what’s more, if the term ‘obese’ isn’t permitted, what do we say?

In defense of using this correct terminology, Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum described not doing so as “patronising”, explaining that “if you beat around the bush then you muddy the water.”

It’s evident that one key factor is paramount here, and if approached correctly, could play a fundamental role in tackling this epidemic before it overspills…..

 Motivation.

Motivation is crucial in life and spurs us to succeed. If this is lacking, achieving anything becomes a struggle.

The challenge, however, is that for each individual, motivation derives from different sources. And what might drive one individual to improve themselves, work harder, exercise more, etc, may have the reverse effect on another.

And for some people, being labeled “obese” may be just the remedy to motivate them to improve their diet, increase their daily physical activity or reduce the amount of time spent watching TV.

In contrast, for others, it will only exacerbate the issue and drive them to seek solace from the biscuit tin.

The big conundrum for health professionals today who are faced with trying to alleviate the surge in obesity rates, is how to identify, then fully utilise, the motivation of each individual.

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