Overweight and health: communications challenges and opportunities

Overweight is associated with multiple adverse health consequences, many of which have been addressed by the experts participating in this Roundtable on Healthy Weight organized by the American Health Foundation. While research and vigorous debate continue on the etiology, treatment, and prevention of obesity, health care professionals face a crucial challenge: effectively communicating current knowledge of the links between overweight and adverse health outcomes. Communications challenges that must be overcome include the clutter of diverse messages, distrust of experts, the anti-diet movement, public confusion, and misunderstandings about scientific reports. An effective communications strategy needs to focus on simple, friendly messages that are consistent with scientific evidence yet understandable to individuals in ways that promote acknowledgment of personal responsibility and promote action.