Latest from Food Politics: Guidelines for talking about pet obesity with respect

I have a long-standing interest in pet food and subscribe to Pet Food Industry, a truly superb trade publication.   It recently carried this item (don’t miss its AI illustration): Pet food marketers’ guide to blame-free obesity ...

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By Marion Nestle October 22 2026 Guidelines for talking about pet obesity with respect I have a long-standing interest in pet food and subscribe to Pet Food Industry, a truly superb trade publication.  It recently carried this item (don’t miss its AI illustration): Pet food marketers’ guide to blame-free obesity communication: Respectful communication does not require avoiding the word obesity. The guide favors precise descriptions over euphemisms that can minimize a health concern. Read more It seems that the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (yes, this organization exists) has published 2026 Pet Obesity Communication Guidelines. These advise the same kinds of things as ConscienHealth advises for health professionals dealing with humans with obesity. Describe pets as having a condition rather than defining them by weight—say “a dog with obesity” instead of “an obese dog” Connect messaging to health goals like mobility, quality of life, and comfort rather than weight loss guarantees Avoid shock-value images, before-and-after campaigns without context, and language that shames pet owners or ridicules animals Direct owners toward veterinary consultation with specific, actionable next steps rather than immediate diet changes Test messages with your target audience to ensure clarity and identify whether wording feels accusatory or prevents action The Communication Guidelines have lots of useful suggestions.  For example: Obesity is rampant in dogs and cats.  Veterinarians have a lot of work to do.  This guide should help. The post Guidelines for talking about pet obesity with respect appeared first on Food Politics by Marion Nestle      Related Posts Four items about pet food politics Pet food safety and other issues: a short roundup   Now Available: What to Eat Now My new book, What to Eat Now, is officially out! It's both a field guide to food shopping in America and a reflection on how to eat well—and deliciously. For more information and to order, click here. You can explore the full archive of this (almost) daily blog at foodpolitics.com, where you'll also find information about my books, articles, media interviews, upcoming lectures, favorite resources, and FAQs. Visit the Site » ​​​​​​​ Marion Nestle Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, Emerita © Marion Nestle. You're receiving this email because you've signed up to receive updates from us. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe. Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy

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