I have been involved with Obesity Canada for a long time.  I have had the privilege to work with and learn from the smartest doctors and researchers on the topic of obesity.  I even acknowledge this privilege is a big reason why I have been lucky enough to receive effective obesity management (I know what to ask).  I must say, however, that in all my interactions in this world I work in, there is no one that I have learned more from or been inspired more by, than other patient advocates.  

Hearing the stories from other people who live with this disease, how it has impacted them and how they have approached it, has been very empowering.  From these brave souls, I have learned how diverse everyone’s experience can be with obesity, but I have also learned there are many common threads that link us together.  We are not alone, there is hope, and speaking up can make a difference.  

Amber Huett-Garcia is someone who spoke up, and in doing so, inspired and empowered me.  I am so happy that this month we will have Amber as our special guest on our monthly webinar series, Connected Conversations, taking place February 22 @ 1:00 PM Eastern.  During this conversation we will dig into lessons learned from Amber’s life-long journey with obesity, treatment, recovery and advocacy.  You can register for free here

“Although many people don’t have all the options I had when it comes to receiving medical care, and I’m grateful I had those options, they still didn’t change the fact that some of the most biased interactions I’ve experienced in my life were in doctor’s offices. It wasn’t playground bullies, but medical professionals who didn’t believe I was making healthy food choices or exercising, because they didn’t believe obesity is a disease but a matter of personal choice.”

If you have a moment, I would encourage you to check out this recent article from Amber in Healthy Women titled: I Fought Generational Obesity by Creating My Own Road Map to a Healthier, Happier Life.