The Pursuit of Health Podcast

The Pursuit of Health is a weekly podcast dedicated to a thorough exploration of the American Healthcare System at a critical time in our nation’s history. The podcast’s creator and host, Dr. Eric Fethke, is a pediatric cardiologist and educator trained at Columbia University, with over 25 years of experience practicing medicine. Students, professionals, and everyday people alike are invited to learn from guest experts who are pursuing groundbreaking work to improve America's health. Join us on our journey towards a better healthcare!

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The Pursuit of Health Podcast

Ep92: The Great Obesity Myth w/Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford

November 24, 2025 • Dr. Eric Fethke

Obesity is a chronic disease. So why are we still not treating it as such?

Enter Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Stanford is a global voice on obesity - redefining it as a chronic disease, not a personal failure.

In taking us through the science behind it, Dr. Stanford guides us to the heart of several patient stories, highlighting the need for treating patients with dignity, improving access to care, and eliminating biases in global healthcare.

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We spoke about genetic, environmental, and systemic factors that contribute to obesity, the efficacy of treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists, real-life examples, the emotional and practical aspects of this chronic disease, and the need to involve healthcare professionals, government, and the community to tackle the global obesity epidemic.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @ericfethkemd and checkout my website at www.EricFethkeMD.com.

My brand new book, The Privilege of Caring, is out now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP6H6QN4