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Ep. 47 | The Evolving Role of Registered Dietitians in Obesity Care

in-the-know-with-nina

Obesity

Obesity Stigma

Weight Bias

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Linda Gigliotti, a registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and longtime advocate for weight-inclusive care. With decades of experience supporting individuals living with obesity, Linda shares how the most impactful care starts with listening—without judgment, without assumptions, and without rushing to fix.

Linda reflects on her early training with psychologist Dr. Gary Foster, the importance of being a non-diet dietitian, and why weight bias continues to be one of the greatest barriers to compassionate obesity care. She emphasizes that every conversation with a patient is an opportunity to build trust, foster safety, and support sustainable behavior change—through validation and empowerment.

Key Takeaways

Compassionate care begins with listening, not lecturing or prescribing.
Weight stigma is still prevalent, even among well-meaning providers.
Patients need to feel emotionally safe before they can make meaningful changes.
Motivational interviewing and validation can improve outcomes more than rigid nutrition plans.
Healthcare professionals must unlearn bias and build weight-inclusive language into every touchpoint.
Relationships are central to long-term, effective obesity care.

About Linda Gigliotti, MS, RDN, CDCES, FAND

Linda Gigliotti is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With more than 40 years of experience, Linda is a leader in behavior-focused obesity treatment and is known for her patient-centered approach rooted in compassion, listening, and long-term support. She’s a sought-after speaker, educator, and mentor in the obesity care community.