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A little over 40% of US adults are impacted by obesity, including many Latinos, putting them at higher risk for diabetes, heart issues, and cancer.
But when people with obesity try to get help, negative stigma can curb progress.
Often, they hear advice from healthcare providers like; “Eat healthier” or “Work out.” While these are key parts of a healthy life, other factors and underlying conditions are involved.
When a healthcare provider is quick to dismiss a patient with this advice, it can make the patient feel like they are to blame and may even make matters worse.
That’s why the Endocrine Society is launching interactive listening sessions to enable patients and people who have experience with obesity to help shape best practices and clinical guidelines for caring for patients with obesity.
Patient Perspectives on Medical Treatment for Obesity
The Endocrine Society’s listening sessions, Patient Perspectives on Medical Treatment for Obesity, aim to get input to update their clinical practice guidelines on the medical treatment of obesity.
“These guidelines will help international healthcare professionals and patients with obesity to make informed decisions about their care,” according to the listening sessions news release.
The listening sessions slated for late January 2026 invite people with obesity to share their perspectives, ideas, and experiences to inform these guidelines.
In addition, the listening sessions will gather information on best medical practices and research.
For instance, weight loss management injectables have become more commonplace for treating obesity in the prevention of developing other ailments such as diabetes.
Other treatments like bariatric surgery are also making waves in obesity treatment.
People with experience can provide valuable insight on how to approach these treatment options and change the way providers and other patients think about these types of treatments.
Eligibility Requirements
The Endocrine Society is looking to hear from people who currently deal with obesity, have experienced obesity within the last 5 years, or are providing support for someone living with obesity.
In addition, people who have experience taking or have considered weight loss injectables or had bariatric surgery are also encouraged to register.
Participants will be asked to attend one listening session:
- Saturday, January 24. 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM CET
- Tuesday, January 27. 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM GMT / 5:00 PM CET
- Wednesday, January 28. 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM CET
Each listening session is 2.5 hours long, and participants should be prepared to attend the full session.
Any input gathered from the ssions will be considered by the Guidelines Development Panel when they publish recommendations for obesity treatment.
What’s more, participants will be given a $75 stipend for their contribution.
Limited spaces are available.
Questions and concerns about the listening sessions should be directed to obesityguidelines@endocrine.org.
Improve Healthy Living in Your Community
Obesity is a prevalent problem in many communities across the US, especially in communities surrounded by fast food places and fewer safe places to be active outside.
Your health is determined by where you live.
Access to healthy foods and green spaces, or lack thereof, can put you at a higher risk of obesity leading to diabetes and other long-term health problems.
Do you know where your community ranks in the way of these issues?
Find out by downloading a Salud America! Health Report Card for your town!
Enter your county name and get auto-generated local data with interactive maps and comparative gauges on several health indicators. This can help you visualize and explore local issues in education, housing, transportation, food, health, and more.
See how your county stacks up compared to the rest of your state and nation.
Then email the Report Card to local leaders to raise awareness, include the data in a presentation or grant proposal, or share it on social media to drive healthy change in your community!
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Healthy LifestylesBy The Numbers
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