Redefining Obesity & Understanding it as a Chronic Disease with Dr. Sean Wharton
Description
In this episode of Scale Up Your Practice, we’re joined by global obesity expert Dr. Sean Wharton, lead author of the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Dr. Wharton takes us behind the scenes of the CPG development process, shares what makes these guidelines groundbreaking, and dives into why obesity is a complex, chronic disease.
We also discuss shifting from outdated weight measures like BMI toward more patient-centered care approaches—and the importance of tackling weight bias and stigma head-on in clinical practice.
🎯 In this episode:
The story behind Canada’s Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines
Why obesity is a chronic disease—and what that means for healthcare professionals
- How to move beyond BMI and explore alternative diagnostic tools
- A candid Bias Break with Dr. Wharton reflecting on weight stigma in healthcare
Additional Resources Mentioned:
Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines: https://utm.guru/uicYb
Calibre: Obesity Canada’s Training Course for HCPs: https://utm.guru/uicYa
Free Weight Bias and Stigma Course: https://utm.guru/uicX9
Obesity Canada’s Education Hub for Healthcare Professionals: https://utm.guru/uicYc
Send us your questions or topic requests: scaleuppod@obesitycanada.ca
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Scale Up Your Practice is created by Obesity Canada. Learn more at obesitycanada.ca