Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Deferred
Paragraph: 96
Integrate weight stigma training into healthcare curricula and review obesity campaign language.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government undertakes an urgent review of its current campaigns related to obesity and alters any language or media used that fail to 36 The impact of body image on mental and physical health mention being underweight is as big a risk as being overweight. We also recommend that training on weight stigma is integrated into undergraduate and trainee curricula in all medical, nursing and other allied professional programmes to address stigma early on. This requires professional bodies and Health Education England to update their curricula and training standards, coupled with training offered to all current clinical staff, on how best to discuss weight and health.
Government Response Summary
The government's response details guidance for doctors offering non-surgical cosmetic procedures and the importance of informed patient choice, but does not address the recommendation to review obesity campaigns for language or integrate weight stigma training into medical, nursing, and allied professional curricula.
Paragraph Reference:
96
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Practitioners carrying out non-surgical cosmetic treatments are not currently required to undertake a mandatory risk assessment of patients before offering a procedure. The government is committed to supporting consumers to make safe and informed choices about any cosmetic procedure they may choose to undergo. All cosmetic procedures have some risks. They can lead to serious complications if they’re not performed correctly and can affect an individual’s mental health if the results are not as expected. GMC has guidance for doctors offering cosmetic procedures . The key points in this guidance that are relevant to this recommendation specify that doctors: must be familiar with GMC ’s separate guidance on decision-making and consent should have a clear discussion with their patients about the outcome, benefits and risks of cosmetic treatments should give patients time to reflect so that they can make an informed decision should take into account their patients’ vulnerabilities and psychological needs should market their services responsibly should not allow any financial or commercial interests in a particular intervention – or organisation providing cosmetic interventions – to adversely affect standards of good patient care We encourage anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to take the time to find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner, as well as reflect on the possible impact of the procedure on both their physical and mental health. Choosing a practitioner subject to statutory regulation or on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority provides assurance that they hold the requisite knowledge, qualifications and insurance to safely perform the procedures they are offering.