I was compensated by Med-IQ through an educational grant from Novo Nordisk to write about the realities of obesity as a chronic disease. All opinions are my own.
I’ve partnered with Med-IQ several times; they’re an accredited medical education company that works with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. As I am a professor of public health, this partnership is a great fit. The topic this time is about obesity. Specifically, that a positive and supportive healthcare provider and broader community are important to successful weight management.
Here’s what I mean by that; there are physicians who, when treating patients who are overweight or have obesity, see the weight more than they see the patient. Example:
Me: All my kids have strep and my throat is on fire and I have a fever.
Doctor: Let’s talk about your weight.
or
Me: I’d like a PAP smear, please.
Doctor: Your weight is going to cause future health problems.
[end scene]
