Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Kimberly Erikson

Abstract

As a student preparing to graduate PA school, one of the areas I hope to improve upon is my ability to educate patients in a comfortable, caring, encouraging, and effective manner. In my experience, the topic of weight-loss is often handled in ways that are insensitive, making patients feel shameful about their condition and less inspired to change. The goal of this article will be to address the current literature on how to medically manage obesity in patients and combine resources that offer more effective, encouraging, and subtle approaches that will help lead to a more effective, shame-free treatment of our patients. This paper will serve as a CME reference for providers looking for an informative and thoughtful guide to counseling patients who need help managing their weight.

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A Thoughtful Approach to Weight Loss Management

As a student preparing to graduate PA school, one of the areas I hope to improve upon is my ability to educate patients in a comfortable, caring, encouraging, and effective manner. In my experience, the topic of weight-loss is often handled in ways that are insensitive, making patients feel shameful about their condition and less inspired to change. The goal of this article will be to address the current literature on how to medically manage obesity in patients and combine resources that offer more effective, encouraging, and subtle approaches that will help lead to a more effective, shame-free treatment of our patients. This paper will serve as a CME reference for providers looking for an informative and thoughtful guide to counseling patients who need help managing their weight.