How We Should Talk About Obesity in Animals
Veterinary and human healthcare professionals often use the term “obese” to describe a patient with excess body fat. Calling a patient “obese” has significant negative connotations and can be stigmatizing and emotionally triggering.
In veterinary medicine, labeling a pet as “obese” can imply that the owner has failed to provide proper care and nutrition, potentially causing feelings of unease and criticism. It shifts the focus from underlying physiological causes such as genetics, microbiome, hormonal imbalances, and other biological factors to lifestyle choices like exercise and diet.
On the other hand, the proposed terminology, such as “the dog has obesity,” “a cat having obesity,” or “a pet with obesity,” focuses on the disease state rather than the physical appearance, thereby avoiding blame on the pet owner's actions or an animal’s behavior or inherent characteristic.
Because obesity is a metabolic condition and a disease state, many human healthcare providers now avoid telling patients they are “obese” or even “overweight.” Instead, they prefer the term “having obesity” for those with clinical symptoms associated with excess body fat. This subtle but essential language shift acknowledges the complexity of the condition, recognizing it as a disease rather than merely the result of lifestyle choices.
In veterinary medicine, organizations like the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) recommend using terminology that avoids implying an individual’s disease state is solely due to poor lifestyle choices. Describing an animal as “obese” focuses on their physical condition rather than identifying a disease. Just as we wouldn’t say an animal “is cancerous,” but rather “has cancer,” we should use similar language for obesity. This is not just a matter of semantics, but a crucial step in destigmatizing obesity in animals.
“ If we continue using judgmental, emotionally charged terms to describe our animal patients, we risk injuring the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. ”
It is time for veterinary professionals and the pet care industry to shift from describing an animal as “obese” to terms such as “he has obesity,” “those animals having obesity,” or “pets with obesity” in clinical usage, marketing, and media campaigns. This shift in language is not just a matter of semantics, but a crucial step in destigmatizing obesity in animals and promoting a more compassionate approach to pet care. It is a change that we all need to embrace for the betterment of our patients, pet owners, and profession.
While some may question the use of “has obesity” as a noun, it’s important to recognize that medical language evolves as our scientific understanding improves and our awareness of our patients' and clients' emotional states increases. The term “has obesity” is based on the recognition of obesity as a disease state, similar to how we say “she has cancer” instead of “she is cancerous.” Just as terms like “corpulent,” “rotund,” or “fat” have become outdated and discouraged, so too should identifying our animal patients as “obese.”
“The term “has obesity” is based on the recognition of obesity as a disease state, similar to how we say “she has cancer” instead of “she is cancerous.” Just as terms like “corpulent,” “rotund,” or “fat” have become outdated and discouraged, so too should identifying our animal patients as “obese.””
To reinforce the acceptance of using “with obesity” and avoiding describing affected individuals as “obese,” the 2024 Associated Press (AP) Style Guide writes:
“The phrasing people with obesity or a person with obesity is acceptable when a general term is needed and is relevant, unless a group or person prefers other terms. The term obesity is used most often in a health or medical context: Researchers hope the treatment helps people with obesity.
“Avoid the modifier obese when possible. Although obese is a variant of the term obesity, many medical professionals say the use as a modifier is more stigmatizing by putting a greater focus on the person rather than on the disease. That stigma can cause people not to seek treatment, they say.”
The healthcare community is beginning to understand that treating obesity is more complicated than simply, “Eat less. Exercise more.” and the causes of obesity are much more than lifestyle choices. While nutrition and physical activity are critical factors in both the development and treatment of obesity, it is important to use language that reinforces the multifactorial causes and potential interventions associated with this disease. Medical professionals have a crucial role in this language shift. Begin by replacing “obese” with “has obesity.” Together, we can use language to improve the quality of life and longevity of the animals we love.