Company\Resources\Ep. 32 | Heartfelt and Mindful: A Conversation about Obesity with a Cardiologist and a Behavioral Dietitian

Ep. 32 | Heartfelt and Mindful: A Conversation about Obesity with a Cardiologist and a Behavioral Dietitian

in-the-know-with-nina

podcast

Episode Summary

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Arasi Maran, an obesity medicine physician and current president of the Illinois Obesity Society. Together, they explore the intersections of obesity care, public health, and policy change. Drawing from her experience in both clinical medicine and health systems leadership, Dr. Maran shares how early exposure to obesity-related disparities shaped her passion for prevention and advocacy.

The conversation highlights the importance of moving beyond individual blame to address systemic challenges, including access to care and stigma. Dr. Maran outlines how organizations like the Illinois Obesity Society are working to unify the provider community and influence policy at the state level. Her message is clear: the future of obesity care depends on collaboration, inclusion, and a proactive shift toward prevention.

Key Takeaways

Public health exposure early in life can shape a career dedicated to prevention.
Organizations like the Illinois Obesity Society are creating change at the local and state level.
Obesity treatment must go beyond clinical practice and include policy and systems-level advocacy.
There’s a need to engage more providers in the conversation—not just obesity specialists.
Fighting stigma means shifting focus from individual responsibility to systemic support.
A diverse, unified voice in obesity care is critical for widespread, lasting change.

About Arasi Maran, MD, MHS, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM

Dr. Arasi Maran is a board-certified obesity medicine physician, lifestyle medicine diplomate, and President of the Illinois Obesity Society. She holds a Master of Health Science from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and has a background in health systems leadership. Dr. Maran has worked in large academic centers and now focuses on value-based care and population health. She is passionate about prevention, equity, and empowering providers with tools to deliver more effective and compassionate obesity care.