Patient-Centered Success: Bridging the Gap Between Eating Disorder and Obesity Clinicians

People who live in larger bodies often face weight bias and stigma, potent risk factors for the development of an eating disorder. Although eating disorders and obesity are conditions that can be intricately tied to each other, they are often treated as separate entities with little collaboration between dietitians. Bridging the gap between these practice areas provides patients the best chance at successful outcomes.

This panel defines the gaps in care and provide practical tips for supporting patients who live in larger bodies. With collaborative, patient-centered care, dietitians can help patients achieve their health goals while addressing the overarching issues of weight bias and unrealistic societal standards of health and beauty.

Planned with the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.5

Performance Indicators

• 2.3.4 Identifies opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships with individuals or organizations with shared visions
• 8.2.1 Engages in educational activities to maintain knowledge and to obtain new knowledge of diseases and clinical conditions.
• 10.2.2 Interviews clients/patients and reviews health records to collect information about medical history and food and nutrition intake

Learning Objectives

• Identify the biological and psychosocial risk factors for which registered dietitians can intervene to ensure the best physical and mental health outcomes for patient success
• Describe the indications and various approaches to obesity treatment and how this can be optimized to screen for and prevent the development of eating disorders
• Assist clinicians in the elimination of weight bias in the treatment of weight management and eating disorders

Moderator

• Melissa Page

Speakers

• Casey Flowers
• Michael Hilmar Wagner
• Melinda Watman