Whanganui District Health Board has been debating using the "O" word.
The appropriateness of the word "obesity" - as in the health board's obesity strategy - was a hot topic at a recent board meeting.
Board member Harete Hipango suggested rebranding the strategy to reflect their preventive measures and emphasis on healthy living and eating.
Judith MacDonald said the "obesity" label had "such a negative connotation".
Kate Joblin wasn't keen on removing the word, though, saying it would turn the strategy into "something quite vanilla".
"The hospital is all about healthy eating and living. This particular piece of work is about obesity - we are on the cusp of an obesity epidemic."
Allan Anderson agreed with Ms Joblin. "Let's not sanitise what is a huge issue for the population and for the health expenditure as well," he said.
No motion was made.