Breaking the Stigma: Obesity as a Disease with Dr. Lisa Clift

Big Fellas

Dr Lisa Clift joins the Big Fellas podcast to discuss obesity as a chronic disease, emphasizing the importance of treating it with dignity and understanding rather than stigma. With 69% of men experiencing overweight or obesity, yet only a small percentage seeking help, the conversation highlights the critical need for accessible weight management services. Dr. Clift shares insights on the various causes of obesity, including genetic factors and the obesogenic environment that surrounds us, which often promotes unhealthy eating habits. The discussion also delves into treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes to medications and bariatric surgery, stressing that effective solutions must be personalized to each individual's circumstances. Ultimately, the episode encourages men to seek help and emphasizes that addressing obesity is not just about personal health, but also about societal well-being and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Takeaways:

• Understanding obesity as a chronic illness is essential for effective treatment and prevention.
• Men often face stigma around seeking weight loss help, leading to underutilization of services.
• Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are crucial for long-term weight loss success.
• The conversation around obesity should focus on dignity and respect for individuals living with it.
• New medications for weight loss can significantly aid in achieving a healthier body weight.
• Preventing obesity requires addressing environmental factors and the food industry’s role in it.

As mentioned in the episode, Darren and Mark play in the Man Vs Fat League, a weight loss initiative to help men lose weight and become more active. If you would like to join Man Vs Fat, listeners of this podcast can use the Promo Code BIGFELLAS. You will pay just £1 registration fee when you join!

To find out more visit their website here: https://www.manvfatfootball.org/

Also, be sure to subscribe for some exciting episodes that are coming up.

You can find out more about the amazing Dr Lisa Clift and her work specialising in Obesity Medicine for Men, she is a GP and lifestyle doctor. Working in the NHS and privately. Her website is www.drlisalifestylemedicine.com