5.1 Establishing rapport and acknowledging stigma

The language and communication style that you use are important.

The person in front of you may have come intending to ask for a specific weight loss medicine and might expect a process similar to obtaining other medicines from the pharmacy. Finding out about their weight loss story is crucial before proceeding to the rest of the consultation.

This may be a sensitive issue for some people, and it is possible that they might bring up some personal and emotional points about the reasons why their eating is as it is.

Acknowledge that they will have tried very hard in the past to lose weight, reassure them and thank them for  sharing with you. Bear in mind that referral may be needed if your conversation identifies, for example, disordered eating, mental health issues or abuse.