A Conversation About Sound Person-Centered Obesity Care

ConscienHealth Founder Ted Kyle recently had the opportunity for a conversation about obesity care with Jennifer Pettis of the Gerontological Society of America. It was a time to reflect on the evolution of this care and the challenges that lie ahead. You can listen in on on the GSA Momentum Discussion podcast using the link on the right.

It was a great opportunity to discus the urgent need for science-based, person-centered approaches to obesity treatment. It highlights persistent gaps in public perception, policy, and medical practice that continue to hinder progress.

As we wrap up this Obesity Care Week, the conversation offers us much to consider.

The Persistent Obstacle of Bias

One of the biggest obstacles is bias. Kyle emphasizes that weight stigma remains deeply ingrained in both healthcare and society, leading to subpar treatment or outright dismissal of people with obesity. Many still believe that obesity is simply a matter of willpower rather than a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetics, biology, and environment. This misconception not only delays effective treatment but also worsens health outcomes as people with obesity are often denied the same level of care and respect as those with other chronic conditions.

The conversation also touches on the rapid advancements in obesity treatment, particularly new medications that have shown significant promise in improving health outcomes. However, despite these breakthroughs, access to treatment remains a major barrier. Insurance coverage for obesity care is inconsistent at best, and many healthcare providers still lack adequate training in obesity management. Kyle argues that healthcare systems need to catch up with the science and start treating obesity like the chronic disease it is, rather than a lifestyle issue.

People First

Importantly, person-centered care is not just about making treatments available – it’s about respect, collaboration, and individualized care. Patients deserve to have their unique needs, goals, and circumstances considered when receiving care. Kyle stresses the importance of listening to patients and supporting them rather than blaming them.

Ultimately, shifting toward evidence-based, compassionate care requires cultural change, policy improvements, and better education. As research advances, the challenge remains ensuring that science, not stigma, shapes the future of obesity care.

Click here to listen to the podcast on its GSA home and here for more on the past, present, and future of obesity care.

Ted Kyle and Jennifer Pettis at the National Academies, photograph by Ted Kyle / ConscienHealth

Subscribe by email to follow the accumulating evidence and observations that shape our view of health, obesity, and policy.

March 7, 2025