Obesity and Hypertension: Addressing Misconceptions in Clinical Practice
Caissa Troutman, MD, stresses the importance of building trust with patients through active listening and consistent, non-judgmental communication.
The following transcript has been edited for clarity.
Patient Care Online: What are some common misconceptions about obesity and hypertension?
Caissa Troutman, MD: One major misconception is the belief that losing weight will always lower blood pressure. While about 75% of hypertension cases are linked to excess weight, 25% are not. For example, patients with a strong family history of high blood pressure may not experience significant reductions in blood pressure despite weight loss. It’s a nuanced, highly individualized situation.
Another big issue is the stigma surrounding obesity. Many still believe that people with obesity are lazy or lack willpower, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Obesity is not about character flaws; it’s about biology and brain regulation, which make losing weight challenging. Treating obesity as a medical condition—just like asthma or allergies—helps patients understand that it’s not their fault. This perspective encourages them to accept help and follow medical guidance.
Patient Care: How can primary care physicians help combat misinformation that patients may be exposed to?
Troutman: It starts with building trust in the physician-patient relationship. Gaining a patient’s trust often involves listening to their concerns before offering advice. Patients need to feel that we’re their partners, not just giving orders.
Effective communication takes time, and it may not happen in a single visit, especially if patients have multiple issues they want to address. Consistency is crucial—delivering a clear, nonjudgmental message that:
- We are here to support them.
- Obesity and hypertension are medical conditions, not personal failings.
- There are treatments and solutions available.
Reinforcing this message in a safe, judgment-free environment is key to combating misinformation and fostering better health outcomes.
Caissa Troutman, MD, is a member of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and the physician founder of WEIGHT reMDy, a direct care weight wellness practice in Camp Hill, PA.
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