Pediatric Obesity Webinar Series

Better Conversations Start Here: Pediatric Obesity Webinar Series

Watch each 10-minute session, then explore tools to support patient-centered care and increase referrals to appropriate resources across Maine.

Webinar 1: Understanding Obesity as a Disease

Presenter: Dr. Valerie M. O’Hara, FAAP, FOMA, DABOM

Learn the science behind obesity as a chronic, physiological disease. This session covers how stigma, bias, and misperceptions influence care—and why we should be reframing the conversation.

• Homeostasis and set-point theory

• Genetic and hormonal contributors to obesity

• The impact of bias in provider-patient interactions

Webinar 2: Living with Obesity—The Landscape of Obesity Care Experiences for Children and Families

Presenter: Liz Paul, Obesity Action Coalition

This powerful session features the lived experience of families navigating obesity care. Providers will gain a deeper understanding of weight stigma and how it impacts engagement, access, and outcomes for patients.

• Types of weight stigma (explicit, implicit, internalized)

• Weight bias in healthcare, schools, and family environments

• The emotional toll of weight-based teasing and bullying

• How to self-assess for internalized bias as a provider

Webinar 3: Putting It All Together—How to Talk with Patients and Families in a Supportive Environment

Presenters: Dr. Valerie M. O’Hara, FAAP, FOMA, DABOM, Elizabeth Paul, Dr. Chris Pezzullo, FAAP

This final session brings together tools, language, and real-world clinical strategies for having more productive and supportive conversations with patients and families.

• The 5A’s framework for behavior change conversations

• Motivational interviewing techniques

• Asking patients about language preferences

• Creating an inclusive clinical environment

Obesity as a Disease: Webinars 1- 3

This video condenses the entire three-part Pediatric Obesity Webinar Series into a 30-minute compilation highlighting the core concepts and essential takeaways.

Resources for Maine Providers

Explore tools to support your care team, improve communication, and increase referrals to appropriate services:

• Weight Stigma and Bias Toolkit – Maine Public Health Association
• Let’s Go! Provider Training – MaineHealth
• MaineCare Provider Resources – Maine DHHS
• Supportive Obesity Healthcare Toolkit – Rudd Center
• Reducing Stigma: Talking to Patients (PDF) – Rudd Center
• Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) – Weight Bias Resources