Childhood Obesity: Science, Shame & New Hope

Oct 6, 2025

Dr. Evan Nadler, a leading pediatric surgeon and expert in childhood obesity, discusses the stigmatization of obesity as a moral failure rather than a medical condition. He emphasizes the complexities behind childhood obesity, including genetic and hormonal factors, and the importance of early intervention. Transformative treatment options, including medication and surgery for younger patients, are also covered. The conversation challenges outdated views and highlights the need for compassionate support for families navigating these issues.

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INSIGHT

Obesity Is A Medical Disease

Obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle choice, and deserves medical treatment rather than moral judgment.
Early recognition and clinical care change outcomes and reduce stigma for children with obesity.

ANECDOTE

Poolside Moment Sparked A Career

Dr. Evan Nadler became focused on childhood obesity after seeing children struggling with junk food at a pool and realizing someone had to act.
That moment launched two decades of clinical work treating kids with obesity.

INSIGHT

Biology Often Drives Childhood Obesity

Severe pediatric obesity often reflects biological drivers, not simply poor diet or activity levels.
Many children with metabolic disease present similarly despite trying to be healthy.

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This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor are joined by renowned childhood obesity expert Dr. Evan Nadler for a deep, honest conversation about what really is making our kids fat—and what’s finally changing about how kids, parents, and doctors can fight it.

The panel unpacks why the word “fat” is still so emotionally charged, how culture and even healthcare still get it wrong about weight, and why obesity must be recognized as a medical disease—not a moral failure. Dr. Nadler shares stories from two decades on the front lines, Dr. Cooper highlights transformative new science, and Andrea brings personal experience that challenges stereotypes and reveals the harm of shame-based approaches.

From the latest treatments—including medication and surgery for kids under 12—to the power of genetics, hormones, and family history, this episode breaks the silence, busts the myths, and lays out hope for families everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

The global prevalence of childhood obesity keeps rising, with 15 million kids in the US now affected, and most will progress to adult obesity without intervention.
Obesity in kids is driven by a complex web of biology—genes, prenatal health, and hormones—not “overeating” or lack of willpower.
Parental health before and during pregnancy strongly affects a child’s risk of obesity, and interventions work best when started early—even before birth.
Shame, strict dieting, and constant focus on weight do lifelong damage. Kids need support, not blame, and a focus on total health—sleep, nutrition, stress, and fun movement.
New medications (like GLP-1 agonists) and bariatric surgery are safe, evidence-based options for select children, and can be life-changing when used correctly.
Advances in science and patient care show that individualized treatment (not “one-size-fits-all” fixes) leads to the best long-term health and lower risk of serious complications in adulthood.
There are always choices—kids and families should know they are not alone, and there are always next steps in medical care, whatever age or size a child may be.

Resources from the episode:Fat Science is dedicated to empowering families and changing the conversation about metabolism—reminding us all that fat isn’t a failure. For more resources, stories, and to submit a listener question, visit our website. If you are a healthcare professional and are interested in Dr Cooper’s upcoming training course, click on provider course at the Fat Science Podcast website!

If you have questions, a show idea, feedback, or want to connect, email us at questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.

Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Connect with Dr. Evan Nadler on his website.

*This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.