The Stigma of Obesity and the Power of Compassion

Obesity is a unique chronic disease, distinct from conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that are not visible from the outside. The visible nature of obesity unfortunately carries with it immense societal stigma, shame, and bias. This is something I witness daily in my practice, and it is a profound barrier for many individuals seeking help.

My first and most crucial step in addressing obesity is to create an environment of absolute safety and understanding for my patients. Weight is never just a number on a scale; it's intricately woven with emotions, personal history, and often, past traumas or experiences of abuse. It's an incredibly vulnerable conversation, and my role as a physician is to foster a space where they feel completely comfortable sharing their deepest worries and the complexities of their weight loss journey. Only once that foundation of trust and empathy is established can we then move forward to empower them with the tangible tools needed to change their trajectory.

It's vital for people to understand that obesity is a chronic neurohormonal disease, rooted in genetics and biology, and significantly influenced by lifestyle and environment. By shifting the focus from what obesity looks like to what causes it, we can dismantle the blame, shame, and bias that too often accompany this condition. This shift allows us to approach it with empathy, compassion, and a genuine commitment to finding effective, personalized tools to help individuals. Categorizing obesity as a chronic disease is not just a medical classification; it's a critical step in normalizing the conversation, reducing stigma, and encouraging more people to seek the evidence-based care they deserve. This is why I speak about it so openly on my podcast – to educate the broader community that this is a disease, not a character flaw.