Adapt Your Approach With Cultural Awareness

During conversations about weight and obesity, providers should recognize and respect that some cultures have a positive view of larger body sizes and adapt their approaches as appropriate. 

Practice Pearl | Tailoring Care Through Cultural Awareness

Jason Lofton, MD, Lofton Family Clinic, De Queen, Arkansas, Kickstarting Body Size Conversations in Older Adults with Obesity podcast


I've found a lot of my Latino patients don't see the weight as a problem...it's more of a cultural thing...we have to deal with how we help educate these patients on how that weight is maybe impacting their diabetes or their heart disease.

GSA Momentum Discussion

The GSA Momentum Discussion Podcast episode Culturally Congruent Care for Hispanic Older Adults with Obesity highlights unique cultural beliefs and practices that are prevalent among individuals from the Hispanic community, addresses:

  • how providers must recognize and factor them into conversations about weight and obesity,
  • and provides valuable insights into how providers may provide culturally congruent care while using the GSA KAER framework.

    Practice Pearl | Cultural Respect Is Essential to Partnership

    Dr. Rodolfo J. Galindo, MD, FACE, Emory University School of Medicine, Culturally Congruent Care for Hispanic Older Adults with Obesity podcast


    You will never find a patient that will support your recommendation when you’re opposing their cultural belief... If your beliefs are not culturally appropriate to your patient, that patient will not be your partner in care.

    Due to the impact of genetics, diet, and exercise in obesity management, clinicians may need to bring other family members into these conversations; with the support of those close to the patient, interventions are more likely to be successful.

    Talking With Patients—Including Families When Appropriate

    In the Care Setting

    For older adults, family members and caregivers are often already present in the care setting. When they are, the clinician should talk directly to the patient about personal health,

    Kickstart and Continuing Conversations

    but during the kickstart and continuing conversations, others can be appropriately involved in the discussion of life in the home as part of the patient’s weight history and general perceptions about body size and diet. .


    Kickstart | Approaches to Implement

    Overview | Prepare for a Conversation About Body Weight | Help Patients Feel Welcomed at Their Appointments | Ask for Permission and Use Open-Ended Questions | Recognize Cultural Differences | Discuss the Importance of Healthy Living at Every Size and Age | Kickstart References