Obesity is far more complex than willpower. In this episode, we spoke with Robert F. Kushner, MD, renowned weight management expert, to explore how the medical community’s understanding of obesity has shifted – from a perceived lifestyle choice to a recognized chronic condition shaped by biology, genetics, and environment. Our guest expert breaks down modern diagnostic tools, new treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists, and how to create stigma-free care. We also spoke to patient guest, Michele Tedder, RN, host of Dear Healthcare Provider, who shares her lifelong struggle with weight and related health issues, how GLP-1 medication helped her, and how obesity should be treated with the same compassion and seriousness as other chronic diseases. 

<p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/obesity/what-obesity-is">Obesity</a> is far more complex than willpower. In this episode, we spoke with <a href="https://drrobertkushner.com/">Robert F. Kushner, MD</a>, renowned weight management expert, to explore how the medical community&rsquo;s understanding of obesity has shifted &ndash; from a perceived lifestyle choice to a recognized chronic condition shaped by biology, genetics, and environment. Our guest expert breaks down modern diagnostic tools, new treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists, and how to create stigma-free care. We also spoke to patient guest, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coach_tedder/?hl=en">Michele Tedder, RN</a>, host of Dear Healthcare Provider, who shares her lifelong struggle with weight and related health issues, how GLP-1 medication helped her, and how obesity should be treated with the same compassion and seriousness as other chronic diseases.&nbsp;</p>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.