Avoiding the Word "Obese"

Regarding childhood obesity, the Centers for Disease Control has advocated using politically correct language to avoid stigmatizing youngsters and angering parents. Children with a body-mass index (weight to height score compared to same age and gender) greater than 95 percent are defined by the CDC as "overweight" although most experts agree that they are "obese."

From Seattle Times:

The CDC adopted the current terms in 1998, using weight-to-height ratios and growth charts from a generation of children much slimmer than today's.

Children are said to be "at risk for overweight" if their body-mass index (BMI) is between the 85th and 94th percentiles. They're "overweight" if their body-mass index is in the 95th percentile or higher -- or greater than at least 95 percent of youngsters the same age and gender.

Many pediatricians understand the first category to mean "overweight" and the second one to mean "obese," said the CDC's Dr. William Dietz. He said the word "obese" was purposely avoided because of negative connotations, but he conceded that many pediatricians find the current language confusing.

If the doctors are confused, imagine what the kids are thinking. Children go to school and get inculcated in oral sex, condom usage and homosexuality but they, their parents, their teachers and their doctors can't call a fat kid obese.

To address the confusion, a committee has been convened by the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the issue and make recommendations. New guidance is expected in September.