NHS Health Scotland officials have issued guidance to medical staff which tells them not to use the word ‘obese’ when referring to children. Even using the word ‘overweight’ should be done with caution. The guidance suggests using the term “unhealthy weight” when dealing with cases of childhood obesity or children who are overweight. However, a number of experts believe that being cautious when speaking to parents about their child’s weight is avoiding the issue.

According to a report in Herald Scotland, Tam Fry the chairman of the charity child Growth Foundation said:

“Overweight doesn’t convey the severity that obese does. The term obese should bring people up with a shock.”

The professor of human nutrition at Glasgow University, Mike Lean understands that the use of the word obese is a sensitive issue, but obesity can’t be ignored. Children in particular are sensitive about the size and shape of their body, which calls for sensitivity. However, he also acknowledges that ignoring a child’s size and just buying bigger size clothes doesn’t help in the long term.

NHS Lincolnshire is taking action against reports of increasing obesity levels, with “me-sized plates”. Every child in reception class at schools in Lincolnshire is being given their own plate to use at mealtimes. It is hoped that by using the plate, portion sizes will be reduced. Parents sometimes unknowingly give their children far too much food, giving adult portions at meal times. The plate will act as a guide, and is just one measure being used in the fight against childhood obesity.