Company\Resources\Ep. 23 | Positioning Obesity as Primary Care

Ep. 23 | Positioning Obesity as Primary Care

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podcast

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley sits down with Dr. Malvika Juneja, Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, to explore the critical role primary care providers play in addressing obesity. Dr. Juneja shares how the traditional focus on managing comorbidities is shifting to a more proactive approach—treating obesity as a primary diagnosis worthy of early, direct, and compassionate intervention.

Together, they examine how providers can meet patients with empathy, offer safe treatment options like anti-obesity medications, and leverage outcome measures beyond BMI—like body composition—to guide care. Dr. Juneja emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making, health equity, and trauma-informed communication, especially in underserved populations. Her message is clear: primary care providers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in changing how obesity is treated and discussed in clinical settings.

Key Takeaways

Obesity should be treated as a primary diagnosis, not just a secondary concern.
Shared decision-making empowers patients and improves care outcomes.
Primary care providers are on the front lines of obesity conversations and must feel equipped to initiate them.
Interdisciplinary care and health equity are vital for supporting vulnerable populations.
Body composition analysis goes beyond BMI, helping tailor more effective interventions.
Trauma-informed, inclusive language helps build trust and reduce stigma in obesity care.

About Malvika Juneja, MD, FAAFP

Dr. Malvika Juneja is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. She serves as the Faculty Development Director for over 120 primary care physicians and leads the Social Determinants of Health curriculum. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Juneja is a passionate educator and advocate for health equity, integrating clinical expertise with patient-centered, interdisciplinary care.