Obesity - Part 1
Show notes
Registration is now open for The 2026 IGNITE Network of Trainees Conference taking place on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th November, at Johnstown Estate. Links:
Participants
- Dr Aideen Brides, GP, Monaghan
- Dr Mick Crotty, GP, Clinical Lead for Obesity, Irish College of GPs
- Dr John Maher - Host
Today's episode covers:
- Redefining obesity beyond BMI — excess or atypical adipose tissue that negatively affects health
- Why obesity is not a failure of willpower: the role of genetics, environment and neuroendocrine biology
- Talking to patients about weight without blame or stigma, and the language that helps (and hinders)
- Obesity prevention versus obesity treatment, and why both matter
- Real-world barriers in general practice: time, resourcing and medication reimbursement
- The five A's of obesity management (Ask, Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist), adapted from Obesity Canada
- Reframing the goal from "weight change" to "health change"
- Practical, patient-friendly nutrition advice — protein, meal patterns and moving away from diet culture
In part two, which follows next week, we move on to:
- An overview of treatment options: lifestyle, medications and bariatric surgery
- Referral pathways for bariatric surgery and community supports
- A practical guide to the obesity medications available in Ireland
- Monitoring patients and managing side effects
- The cost and resourcing challenges facing obesity care in Ireland
Links
Please note there are numerous additional links to resources included throughout the Obesity Practice Points document – please refer to it for a comprehensive suite of resources.
Irish College of GPs: Obesity Clinical Hub
Obesity Practice Points (Dr Michael Crotty, Dr Aideen Brides; Irish College of GPs February 2026)
5As Framework for Obesity Management in Adults – Obesity Canada, 2020
HSE Model of Care for the Management of Overweight and Obesity (HSE, November 2021, Updated May 2026)
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.
Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.
This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.
Chapters (16)