GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP co-agonist therapies are transforming obesity treatment and reshaping how we define “success”. Many healthcare providers struggle with how to help patients move beyond the scale—especially when weight expectations, fears of weight recurrence, and internalized weight bias remain deeply rooted. This session will explore practical, weight-inclusive strategies to effectively partner with patients in aligning therapy outcomes with their personal goals, expectations, values, and lived experiences. Participants will learn how to support meaningful change without reinforcing harmful health narratives or behaviours. Key take-aways will include: 1) Guidance on unlearning and relearning weight science to better understand weight regulation, variability, and treatment response. 2) How to identify and address internalized weight bias that can shape both clinician and client perspectives. 3) How to reframe outcome metrics to reflect improvements in metabolic health, physical function, quality of life, and self-efficacy—not just numbers on a scale. 4) Strategies to address patient concerns and expectations around weight and medication use, including practical tools to facilitate deeper conversations in redefining ‘success’.
Jennifer Brown is a registered dietitian, certified bariatric educator, and Director of Program Innovation at Obesity Canada. After 18 years in clinical practice at the Ottawa Hospital Bariatric Centre of Excellence, Jennifer now focuses on transforming how weight, health, and nutrition are understood through systems-level change, education, and advocacy. With over 18 years of expertise in bariatric nutrition and weight stigma, she uses a weight-inclusive, patient-centered lens to support health beyond the number on the scale. Jennifer co-chairs the Obesity Guideline Committee at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and continues to lead professional development through her Health Not Weight program. She was a lead author of the Medical Nutrition Therapy chapter in the 2020 Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines and has contributed to national and international obesity research, policy, and advocacy efforts; including, the Scientific Advisory Committee for Obesity Canada and the steering committee of the James Lind Alliance Obesity Care in Canada Priority Setting Partnership in 2025. Jennifer is a sought-after speaker and educator, passionate about shifting the narrative on weight in healthcare.