OVERWEIGHT AND HEALTH - COMMUNICATIONS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Overweight is associated with multiple adverse health consequences, ma ny of which have been addressed by the experts participating in this R oundtable on Healthy Weight organized by the American Health Foundatio n. While research and vigorous debate continue on the etiology, treatm ent, and prevention of obesity, health care professionals face a cruci al challenge: effectively communicating current knowledge of the links between overweight and adverse health outcomes. Communications challe nges that must be overcome include the clutter of diverse messages, di strust of experts, the anti-diet movement, public confusion, and misun derstandings about scientific reports. An effective communications str ategy needs to focus on simple, friendly messages that are consistent with scientific evidence yet understandable to individuals in ways tha t promote acknowledgment of personal responsibility and promote action .