Reframing Obesity Webinar 1: Breaking Down Barriers: Addressing Bias and Stigma (April 3, 2025)-Reframing Obesity Treatment Series: Addressing Stigma, Myths, Misconceptions, and Patient Concerns

Reframing Obesity Treatment Series: Addressing Stigma, Myths, Misconceptions, and Patient Concerns

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar hosted by endocrinologist Mona Chadha and various specialists, they discuss reframing obesity and addressing its myths, stigma, and biases in treatment. The panel aims to redefine obesity as a complex chronic disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. They emphasize person-first language to avoid stigmatizing individuals with obesity and advise healthcare professionals to avoid blaming patients for their condition. Key topics include the historical reluctance to classify obesity as a disease, limitations of BMI metrics, and the importance of considering factors like hormonal issues and mental health. The session underscores that weight loss is not the sole indicator of health; smaller improvements in mental and physical health are vital. The speakers advocate for patient-centered communication strategies, using open-ended questions and approaches that consider patients’ perspectives and readiness to change. The goal is to create a supportive environment and reduce the societal and healthcare biases that negatively impact patients with obesity. The webinar encourages healthcare providers to adopt language and strategies that focus on overall health improvements rather than solely on weight loss.

Keywords

obesity

stigma

chronic disease

multidisciplinary approach

BMI limitations

person-first language

patient-centered communication

mental health

healthcare biases