What happens when the doctor is the patient?
In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Jeremy McConnell—a triple board-certified physician in Sleep, Family, and Obesity Medicine—who shares his powerful story of growing up with obesity, navigating stigma in healthcare, and ultimately turning lived experience into clinical impact.
Together, they explore the nuance of identity as both clinician and patient, the emotional and physical complexities of obesity, and the evolving treatment landscape that now offers more hope than ever. From early stigma and healthcare bias to body composition tracking and weight loss surgery, Jeremy opens up with remarkable honesty about what it takes to manage a chronic disease with empathy and evidence.
Key Takeaways
• Lived experience can strengthen clinical insight and patient trust
• Body composition tells a richer story than weight alone
• Surgery and medications are valid, effort-based tools—not last resorts
• Obesity is a chronic condition, not a personal failure
• Tracking metrics like muscle mass and REE can help guide meaningful goals
• Patient-centered language and permission-based conversations matter
• Personalizing treatment builds better engagement and long-term outcomes
• Real change is possible—at any age—with the right support
About my Guest
Dr. Jeremy McConnell is a triple board-certified physician in Family, Sleep, and Obesity Medicine, and a Master Fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association. With over two decades of experience—and a personal journey with obesity—he blends clinical expertise with deep empathy. He is the founder of Florida Sleep Specialists and Discover Health Obesity Medicine, and a national advocate for compassionate, evidence-based obesity care.
How to Connect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcconnell.jeremy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mcconnell-md-mfoma-dipl-abom-1906757a/
