Question

A 52-year-old Cree woman living in a rural community presents for a periodic health examination. She has class II obesity (BMI 36 kg/m²), type 2 diabetes and limited access to affordable healthy food and recreational facilities. Her HbA1c is 8.3%. She feels overwhelmed and has had negative experiences with weight-related stigma in health care settings. What is the most appropriate initial approach to address her obesity and diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Engage in a respectful, culturally safe discussion to explore her goals and barriers, and offer a multidisciplinary, community-linked weight and diabetes management plan

Answer

Advise her simply to 'eat less and exercise more' without further discussion

Answer

Prescribe a very low-calorie diet and see her again in 12 months

Answer

Immediately refer her for bariatric surgery assessment without further discussion

Answer

Start high-dose stimulant medication for appetite suppression

Practice question