Or: Never tell someone something they already know, most particularly if they are trying to pretend isn't real.
Woman Offended by Doctor's Advice
ROCHESTER, N.H. - As doctors warn more patients that they should lose weight, the advice has backfired on one doctor with a woman filing a complaint with the state saying he was hurtful, not helpful. ADVERTISEMENT
Dr. Terry Bennett says he tells obese patients their weight is bad for their health and their love lives, but the lecture drove one patient to complain to the state.
Absent a lot more information; which, I must admit, I don't really even want; one should not make judgements about the scenario, but if you're dangerously overweight, and you go to your doctor for advice,,, can it really surprise you if he gives it?
"I told a fat woman she was obese," Bennett says. "I tried to get her attention. I told her, 'You need to get on a program, join a group of like-minded people and peel off the weight that is going to kill you.' "
... is there a 'sensitive' way to tell someone they're eating themselves to death?
I believe that's the statement that got him in trouble. Personally, I don't think a poor bedside manner or condescending attitude warrants and investigation by the state medical board.
And yes, there are sensitive ways for doctors to approach overweight patients. I should know... :-)
Maybe he could have asked her what it would take to get her to lose weight, instead of trying to scare and humiliate her into doing something she's probably tried all her life to do anyway.