In The Know With Nina

How can AI enhance education and client engagement without replacing the human nuance of counseling?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley sits down with dietitian and tech educator Drew Hemler, RD to unpack where AI fits in dietetics today—from chatbots that support the “in-between” moments of care to visualizing complex data like body composition in patient-friendly ways. They dig into AI’s limits, cultural sensitivity, HIPAA considerations, and practical tools clinicians can adopt now, plus what’s coming next as AI becomes expected in healthcare workflows.

Key Takeaways

• AI is accelerating in dietetics—learn it now to stay relevant.

• Counseling ≠ education: AI can scale education; humans handle nuance and behavior change.

• Chatbots can support clients between visits and reduce inbox overload.

• Visualizing data (e.g., body composition trends) boosts motivation and understanding.

• Cultural context matters—AI can help tailor advice to cuisines and traditions when guided well.

• Automate the repetitive; reserve your time for relationships and higher-value work.

• Use plain-language translations to make complex info digestible.

• Start small: newsletters, AMA’s AI Hub, and simple workflows are great on-ramps.

• Always apply human oversight—AI outputs can be biased, inaccurate, or unsafe without context.

• The near future: AI scribes and standardized tools will be common in clinical practice.

About my Guest

Drew Hemler, RD is a dietitian and educator working across private practice, clinical care, and academia with a specialty in practical AI for healthcare. With a background in marketing and tech, Drew helps clinicians adopt AI tools for education, client engagement, and operations—while keeping counseling human-centered and culturally informed.

How to Connect

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewhemler/

Instagram: @dietitian.drew

How can we better support patients with metabolic liver disease through multidisciplinary care, lifestyle medicine, and emerging treatments like GLP-1s and endoscopic procedures?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Sheena Batura, MS, RDN, CSOWM, Director of Clinical Programs at Salvo Health. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of metabolic liver disease, highlighting the importance of dietitian leadership, patient-centered care, and healthcare integration.

Key Takeaways

• Metabolic liver disease requires comprehensive, multidisciplinary support

• Lifestyle medicine and behavior change are essential to long-term outcomes

• GLP-1 receptor agonists are opening new doors for treatment and coverage

• Dietitians deserve — and are claiming — leadership roles in healthcare

• Integration between providers improves both access and outcomes

• Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty represents a growing treatment option

About my Guest

Sheena Batura, MS, RDN, CSOWM, is the Director of Clinical Programs at Salvo Health, where she leads a multidisciplinary team supporting gastroenterology and obesity practices. With expertise in obesity medicine and a strong background in dietetics, Sheena is passionate about expanding access to patient-centered care and elevating the role of dietitians in healthcare leadership.

How to Connect

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenabatura

LinkedIn for Salvo Health: https://www.linkedin.com/company/salvohealth

How can primary care providers move beyond BMI, use body composition meaningfully, and still have compassionate nutrition conversations in the limited time they have?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RD—a dual-credentialed physician assistant and registered dietitian who practices in pediatric primary care in Florida and hosts the Exam Room Nutrition podcast.

Description

Together we explore why BMI remains the default in primary care, despite its limitations, and how to introduce body composition as a practical, scalable tool. Colleen shares insights from her work with clinicians and dietitians, highlighting common barriers like time, confidence, and stigma, and offers strategies for more effective patient conversations. We also dig into motivational interviewing, the difference between education and counseling, and how referral networks with dietitians can transform care.

Key Takeaways

• Why BMI persists in primary care and what it misses

• How body composition provides richer, more actionable insights

• The biggest barriers clinicians face when discussing nutrition and weight

• Practical strategies like the ask–offer–ask framework to guide conversations

• Why education ≠ counseling, and how team-based care makes the difference

About My Guest

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RD, is a physician assistant and registered dietitian working in pediatric outpatient care in Florida. She is also the host of the Exam Room Nutrition podcast and creator of the new Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course, designed to equip clinicians and dietitians with practical tools for obesity management, nutrition counseling, and patient support.

How to Connect

Instagram: @examroomnutrition

LinkedIn: Colleen Sloan

How is the cardiology community beginning to embrace obesity treatment as part of cardiovascular care?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Beverly Tchang, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, endocrinologist, and board-certified obesity medicine physician. Together they dive into the new American College of Cardiology guidance on medical weight management, exploring what it means for obesity care, cardiology, and the growing role of pharmacotherapy like GLP-1s.

Key Takeaways

• Obesity is increasingly recognized as a disease that impacts multiple organ systems, making its treatment essential for cardiovascular health.

• Multidisciplinary, collaborative care is critical for effective obesity management, particularly as cardiology becomes more engaged in this field.

• GLP-1 medications and other pharmacotherapies are reshaping obesity and cardiovascular treatment strategies.

• Addressing weight stigma and bias is essential to delivering patient-centered care.

• Moving beyond BMI with body composition assessments—and overcoming practical challenges like waist circumference measurement—will improve precision in clinical practice.

• Technology is advancing tools for body composition analysis, supporting more consistent and scalable care.

• The landscape of obesity treatment is evolving rapidly, with cardiology playing a growing role.

About my Guest

Beverly Tchang, MD is a triple board-certified physician and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, where she specializes in endocrinology and obesity medicine. Her nationally recognized expertise extends beyond the clinic—she also serves as an advisor to companies, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking to understand modern weight management.

How to Connect

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BevTchangMD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlytchang/

X: https://x.com/BevTchangMD

Website: https://www.beverlytchangmd.com/

What’s the best way to fuel strength, preserve muscle, and support body composition after bariatric surgery or on GLP-1s?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Kim Tirapelle, MS, RD, CSSD—Bariatric Sports Dietitian and host of the Active Bariatric Nutrition Podcast. Together, they explore how post-op patients and individuals using GLP-1 medications can preserve lean mass, improve strength, and shift the focus from weight loss to body composition and performance.

This conversation breaks down how to tailor nutrition for an active lifestyle after bariatric surgery, what realistic protein and exercise goals look like, and when it makes sense to add supplements like creatine. Whether you’re a provider or a patient, this episode is packed with insight to help support strength, function, and a more holistic view of metabolic health.

Key Takeaways

• Protein needs vary based on activity, goals, and medical therapy—there’s no one-size-fits-all

• Resistance training is critical to preserve muscle and promote long-term health

• Creatine is safe, effective, and valuable when used alongside proper training and nutrition

• GLP-1 medications change appetite and intake—protein strategy must adapt

• Body composition tracking provides a more complete picture than weight alone

• Segmental muscle analysis and visceral fat measures help guide individualized care

About my Guest

Kim Tirapelle is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in Bariatric Sports Nutrition. She has been working with active bariatric individuals for the last 18+ years helping them optimize their nutrition to fuel their fitness goals after surgery. She also has a podcast, Active Bariatric Nutrition.

How to Connect:

Website: activebariatricnutrition.com

Instagram: @activebariatric

Podcast: The Active Bariatric Nutrition Podcast

What happens when the doctor is the patient?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Jeremy McConnell—a triple board-certified physician in Sleep, Family, and Obesity Medicine—who shares his powerful story of growing up with obesity, navigating stigma in healthcare, and ultimately turning lived experience into clinical impact.

Together, they explore the nuance of identity as both clinician and patient, the emotional and physical complexities of obesity, and the evolving treatment landscape that now offers more hope than ever. From early stigma and healthcare bias to body composition tracking and weight loss surgery, Jeremy opens up with remarkable honesty about what it takes to manage a chronic disease with empathy and evidence.

Dr. Jeremy McConnell is a triple board-certified physician in Family, Sleep, and Obesity Medicine, and a Master Fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association. With over two decades of experience—and a personal journey with obesity—he blends clinical expertise with deep empathy. He is the founder of Florida Sleep Specialists and Discover Health Obesity Medicine, and a national advocate for compassionate, evidence-based obesity care.

How to Connect

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcconnell.jeremy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mcconnell-md-mfoma-dipl-abom-1906757a/

What happens when the doctor is the patient?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Jeremy McConnell—a triple board-certified physician in Sleep, Family, and Obesity Medicine—who shares his powerful story of growing up with obesity, navigating stigma in healthcare, and ultimately turning lived experience into clinical impact.

Together, they explore the nuance of identity as both clinician and patient, the emotional and physical complexities of obesity, and the evolving treatment landscape that now offers more hope than ever. From early stigma and healthcare bias to body composition tracking and weight loss surgery, Jeremy opens up with remarkable honesty about what it takes to manage a chronic disease with empathy and evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Lived experience can strengthen clinical insight and patient trust

• Body composition tells a richer story than weight alone

• Surgery and medications are valid, effort-based tools—not last resorts

• Obesity is a chronic condition, not a personal failure

• Tracking metrics like muscle mass and REE can help guide meaningful goals

• Patient-centered language and permission-based conversations matter

• Personalizing treatment builds better engagement and long-term outcomes

• Real change is possible—at any age—with the right support

About my Guest

Dr. Jeremy McConnell is a triple board-certified physician in Family, Sleep, and Obesity Medicine, and a Master Fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association. With over two decades of experience—and a personal journey with obesity—he blends clinical expertise with deep empathy. He is the founder of Florida Sleep Specialists and Discover Health Obesity Medicine, and a national advocate for compassionate, evidence-based obesity care.

How to Connect

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcconnell.jeremy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mcconnell-md-mfoma-dipl-abom-1906757a/

How do you know if you experience food noise—and why does it matter?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Michelle Cardel, PhD, MS, RD, Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers, to explore the concept of food noise—those persistent, intrusive thoughts about food that aren’t driven by hunger—and why understanding it is critical in today’s obesity care landscape.

Together, they dive into the science behind the new, validated Food Noise Questionnaire, how it’s being used in research and clinical care, and what it reveals about the impact of GLP-1 medications on eating behavior, mental peace, and quality of life. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “feel free” from food, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Food noise refers to persistent, intrusive thoughts about food—even in the absence of hunger—that can disrupt daily life and emotional well-being.

• The newly validated Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ) offers a simple, 5-question tool to help assess the intensity of food noise and track changes over time.

• GLP-1 medications have been shown to significantly reduce food noise, offering mental relief and enabling better adherence to nutrition and lifestyle goals.

• Patients often describe feeling “free” or “at peace” for the first time in their lives—sometimes even choosing to stay on medication regardless of weight loss outcomes.

• Measuring food noise helps shift the conversation away from willpower and toward biology and behavior, reducing stigma and improving obesity care.

About my Guest

Michelle Cardel, PhD, MS, RD, FTOS, is a clinical nutrition scientist, registered dietitian, and Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers. She leads global research, academic partnerships, and program development focused on evidence-based, equitable obesity care. Dr. Cardel co-developed the Food Noise Questionnaire and has authored over 120 peer-reviewed publications.

How to Connect

Instagram & TikTok: @DrMichelleCardel

Twitter/X: @MichelleCardel

LinkedIn: Dr. Michelle Cardel

Food Noise Questionnaire Paper: Access the full-text in Obesity Journal – Jan 2025 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39828656/

Take the Online Quiz: https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/food-noise

What happens when appetite suppression, food noise reduction, and early satiety become part of a patient’s new normal?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Melissa Mitri, MS, RDN, a seasoned dietitian and expert health writer, to explore how nutrition strategies must evolve as patients begin medication-based obesity treatment. From protein and meal timing to food noise and side effect management, they discuss how to personalize care for better outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Nutrition is crucial for long-term obesity care
• Individual responses to medications vary significantly
• Chronic treatment is often necessary for sustained results
• Meal timing and spacing can improve effectiveness
• Food quality > calorie quantity
• GLP-1s can help reduce food noise and boost focus
• Tracking body composition enhances motivation
• Personalization is key to nutrition success
• Managing side effects supports medication adherence
• HCPs play a vital role in supporting behavior change

About Melissa Mitri

Melissa Mitri is a Registered Dietitian and weight loss expert with over 18 years of experience. She owns Melissa Mitri Nutrition, a virtual practice specializing in sustainable weight loss, and also works as a freelance writer and consultant for health and wellness brands. Melissa helps patients on GLP-1s adopt healthy habits to maximize benefits and minimize side effects.

How to Connect:

🌐 Visit Melissa's website: https://melissamitri.com/

🔗 Connect with Melissa Mitri on LinkedIn

📎 GLP-1 Cheat Sheet for HCPs

What if the number on the scale is the least interesting thing about your health?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Molly Lupo, DNP—owner of Lupo Preventive Medicine and host of the More Than Weight Loss podcast—for a powerful and practical conversation on body composition, women’s health, and redefining success in weight management.

Dr. Lupo shares how she uses her seca body composition analyzer in clinical practice to move the focus away from weight alone. By tracking muscle, fat mass, visceral adiposity, and trends over time, she empowers women to reclaim their health journeys with individualized, data-informed care. Together, they unpack the emotional history many women have with the scale, explore the role of hunger hormones and GLP-1 medications, and offer practical strategies for building trust, motivation, and muscle—at any age.

Key Takeaways

• The relationship with the scale runs deep, especially for women.

• Shifting from weight to body composition can be empowering.

• Medication can play a pivotal role in managing obesity.

• Understanding hunger hormones helps reframe blame and build trust.

• Strength training is essential for long-term health and muscle preservation.

• Motivational interviewing and group support boost engagement.

• seca’s Treatment Tracker helps personalize care with trend-based visual data.

• Patients love seeing their progress in muscle gain and body fat reduction.

• Reframing expectations is key in long-term weight management.

About Dr. Molly Lupo

Dr. Molly Lupo is a nurse practitioner and the founder of Lupo Preventive Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. She specializes in women’s health, weight management, and preventive care, and hosts the More Than Weight Loss podcast. As a seca user, Dr. Lupo integrates body composition data into her patient visits to offer individualized care, increase self-efficacy, and support behavior change through visual progress tracking.

How to Connect with Dr. Lupo

📲 Instagram: @drmollylupo

🎧 Podcast: More Than Weight Loss with Dr. Molly Lupo – episode 70 with Dr. Nina Crowley

🌐 Practice Website: www.mollylupo.com