New Era in Obesity Drug Development
In this series, we discuss the evolving landscape of obesity drug development, exploring the science, patient experiences, and clinical trial innovations that are shaping a new era in care. Through candid conversations with advocates like Sarah Le Brocq and expert insights from host Claudia Filozof, the podcast examines obesity as a complex, chronic disease—challenging stigma, highlighting the importance of empathy in healthcare, and advocating for patient-centric approaches in clinical research.
Episode 1: Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Disease
In this episode, we hear from Sarah, a patient living with obesity, as she shares her lifelong journey—from early body image struggles and restrictive dieting to participating in a televised weight-loss transformation. Despite achieving peak fitness and completing an Olympic triathlon, Sarah’s weight returned, prompting her to explore the science behind obesity. Her discovery of metabolic adaptation and set-point theory reframed her understanding of the condition—not as a personal failure, but as a complex, chronic disease.
Sarah candidly discusses the lack of empathy and support she received from healthcare professionals, who often dismissed her condition as a lifestyle issue. She calls for a systemic shift in how obesity is perceived and treated—emphasizing the need for education, policy change, and compassionate care. Her story is a powerful reminder that living with obesity is not a choice—and it calls for a significant shift in how we understand, support, and treat this complex, chronic condition.
Participants:
- Host: Claudia Filozof, Vice President and Therapeutic Head Obesity, MASH, and Hepatology at Fortrea
- Sarah Le Brocq - Founder and Director, AllAboutObesity.org
Reference:
- 1. The implications of defining obesity as a disease: a report from the Association for the Study of Obesity 2021 annual conference https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00139-6/fulltext