In this episode of the RCP Medicine podcast, we delve into the complexities of obesity and the importance of person-centred care. Hosted by Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, a rheumatology and general internal medicine specialist registrar and RCP Clinical Education Fellow, she is joined by Dr Charles Fox and Dr Anne Kilverts, both retired consultant diabetes physicians with over 30 years of experience in teaching healthcare professionals how to deliver empowering, person-centred care.

Together, they explore how stigma, unconscious bias, and assumptions can hinder effective communication and care for people living with obesity. Drawing on NICE guidelines and their own clinical experiences, Anne and Charles offer practical strategies for fostering empathy, respect, and shared decision-making in clinical encounters. This episode complements the RCP’s e-learning modules on obesity and is part of the broader initiative to address health inequalities.

Whether you're a clinician, educator, or learner, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you approach weight-related discussions and empower patients to take control of their health journey.

Resources

RCP elearning - Obesity

NICE guidelines: Overweight and obesity management | Guidance | NICE

Lancet: Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity - The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology

The European Association for the Study of Obesity: A new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults - EASO

Dr Charles Fox and Dr Anne Kilverts: www.diabetescounselling.co.uk

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Music:

Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com

Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas