Red Whale Primary Care Pod Obesity and weight management in pregnancy; plus CBT for menopausal symptoms: hero, villain or just difficult to access?
Sep 19, 2025
Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a clinical expert in obesity medicine, shares insights on updated NICE guidance regarding nutrition and weight management during pregnancy. He discusses the implications of BMI on pregnancy risks and offers practical advice on sensitive conversations with patients. Hussain also explores dietary approaches for managing gestational diabetes and emphasizes the importance of exercise. Additionally, he delves into the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in addressing menopausal symptoms, tackling access issues and the importance of mental health support.
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Film Reference To Illustrate Stress
- Hussain mentions the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to illustrate recent stress.
- He jokes about the famous line “For a moment there, I thought we were in trouble.”
Assess BMI Early And Sensitively
- Measure BMI at the first antenatal appointment to stratify risk and plan care.
- Use sensitive language and offer written or visual BMI feedback if patients prefer not to discuss it verbally.
Screening Thresholds For BMI
- Offer gestational diabetes screening for people with BMI ≥30 at booking.
- Consider referral to specialist obesity services for BMI ≥40.
