140 | Obesity Care Through a Mental Health Lens

What’s missing in obesity care? It’s not another diet plan or more willpower. In this episode Colleen  is joined by Dr. Robyn Pashby, clinical health psychologist and co-author of The New Food Fight, to unpack the mental and emotional side of obesity care (the part most clinicians were never trained to address)Together, they break down why shame, stigma, and oversimplified “just eat less and move more” messaging continue to derail patient progress, even in the era of GLP-1 medications. Dr. Pashby introduces the powerful concept of food noise vs. shame noise, explains why some patients feel safer seeking care from pop-up prescribing clinics, and shares practical, trauma-informed strategies clinicians can use, even in short visits. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why willpower is the wrong framework for behavior change and weight managementHow to talk about weight without triggering shame or damaging trustThe difference between food noise and shame noise and why medications don’t fix bothLanguage clinicians should avoid (and what to say instead) in weight conversationsHow to support patients on GLP-1 and anti-obesity medications beyond the prescriptionWhat Health at Every Size gets right and how to practice health at many sizes Red flags for disordered eating in patients of all body sizesIf you want patients to stay engaged in care, feel safe coming back, and make sustainable progress, this conversation will give you a new lensResources:Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course - use code POD15 for 15% off!Connect with Dr PashbyAny Questions? Send Me a MessageSupport the showConnect with Colleen:InstagramLinkedInSign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.