Scale Up Your Practice by Obesity Canada

Redefining Obesity & Understanding it as a Chronic Disease with Dr. Sean Wharton


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In this episode of Scale Up Your Practice, we’re joined by global obesity expert Dr. Sean Wharton, lead author of the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Dr. Wharton takes us behind the scenes of the CPG development process, shares what makes these guidelines groundbreaking, and dives into why obesity is a complex, chronic disease.


We also discuss shifting from outdated weight measures like BMI toward more patient-centered care approaches—and the importance of tackling weight bias and stigma head-on in clinical practice.


🎯 In this episode:

  • The story behind Canada’s Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines

  • Why obesity is a chronic disease—and what that means for healthcare professionals

    • How to move beyond BMI and explore alternative diagnostic tools
    • A candid Bias Break with Dr. Wharton reflecting on weight stigma in healthcare


    Additional Resources Mentioned:

    • Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines: https://utm.guru/uicYb

    • Calibre: Obesity Canada’s Training Course for HCPs: https://utm.guru/uicYa

    • Free Weight Bias and Stigma Course: https://utm.guru/uicX9

    • Obesity Canada’s Education Hub for Healthcare Professionals: https://utm.guru/uicYc


    Send us your questions or topic requests: [email protected]


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    Thanks for tuning in—stay with us as we continue to scale up your practice.


    Scale Up Your Practice is created by Obesity Canada. Learn more at obesitycanada.ca

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    Scale Up Your Practice by Obesity CanadaBy Obesity Canada