Approaching an employee about her weight.

www.aafp.org/afp Volume 82, Number 5 ◆ September 1, 2010 Case Scenario I work in a busy office where our relationships are cordial. Recently, a member of our office staff has been putting on quite a bit of weight. Already heavy, she has gained what I estimate to be 50 lb (22.7 kg). She has been having some personal problems at home, but in the office she is efficient, competent, and reliable. My colleagues have been talking about whether it is our job as physicians to talk with her about her weight and the possible health problems it could cause. I am not sure it is any of our business. We are strictly professional in our interactions and, except for a staff picnic, do not socialize outside of the office. Still, we know a bit about each other’s lives. Is it our responsibility to talk to this staff member about her weight even if her unhealthy behaviors are not affecting her work performance? Does it make a difference that we are physicians?