Leslie,

OMG: You almost read my mind. And, overweight and obese are close behind even though obese is probably an approved medical term.

It's funny how the two opposites make such a different impact. I can say thin all I want (unless there is anorexia in play), but use the word fat.... I generally don't use the word fat; the only context is when a parent thinks their infant is WAY under weight, and they are actually slightly overweight. I used to tell them that their baby is actually 'fat' just to make them feel better, but I have been burned by that so I simply tell them their child is healthy.

I have learned that hard way on two things: 1) don't use the word fat and, 2) never joke about giving a child a shot to improve his or her behavior. Oh, yes, parents do it ALL the time, making it seem so normal to do it, yet I have lost patients over that. So, now I don't do it. At least I learn from my mistakes.

Bert
Pediatrics
Brewer, Maine