Doctor, i don't eat anything! A multidimensional approach to obesity treatment: clinical experiences

Abstract:

Obesity presents significant clinical challenges, with patients frequently claiming, "Doctor, I don't eat anything!" – revealing a fundamental disconnect between perception and reality in weight management. This presentation examines a multidimensional approach to obesity treatment based on clinical experiences with patients demonstrating this paradoxical mindset.

Our clinical experiences from general practice to intensive care demonstrate the efficacy of combining evidence-based strategies: targeted nutritional counseling, appropriate pharmacotherapy, psychological support addressing emotional eating, and technology-assisted monitoring. Case studies illustrate successful (and unsuccesful) outcomes in initially resistant patients through personalized approaches tailored to different profiles, including those with comorbidities such as depression, diabetes, and sleep apnea. We examine how cultural factors influence eating behaviors and treatment adherence, offering insights into overcoming these barriers. Our findings suggest successful obesity management requires simultaneously addressing physiological mechanisms and psychological aspects of weight regulation. By implementing a patient-centered approach that acknowledges genuine challenges while providing structured support, clinicians can achieve meaningful outcomes even in seemingly resistant cases.

This presentation offers practical strategies for healthcare providers to enhance obesity management protocols, improve patient engagement, and achieve sustainable results in clinical practice by transforming the frustrated declaration "I don't eat anything!" into an opportunity for effective therapeutic intervention.

Biography:

Elzbieta Majzner is a graduate of the Medical University of Lodz, having completed her studies in 2021. Since then, she has been passionate about anesthesiology and intensive care. Currently, she is a resident in the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, where she is undergoing specialized training in this field. She works on the operating block, providing anesthesia for orthopedic, surgical, and endoscopic procedures, as well as in the intensive care unit, where she learns to treat critically ill patients. Her professional interests are closely related to modern anesthesia techniques and the treatment of life-threatening conditions. Many of their patients suffer from obesity, which presents a complex challenge that requires collaboration with other specialists in their daily work.