The United States healthcare system places a lot of emphasis on weight loss/management for patients to achieve their health goals. This leads to a misconception that being thin equates to being healthy, disregarding the importance of dietary quality and habits. This mindset instills fear among people, pushing them away from seeking healthcare due to concerns about body shaming. 

        This type of thinking raises the need for a shift in perspective. Advocating for approaches like Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) turns the focus away from weight and more on habits and behavior change to improve health status. These strategies empower clients to identify and address dietary habits they wish to keep, change, or improve their health goals. Weight loss is viewed as a natural consequence of these habit changes rather than the primary objective. 

I would like to thank Dr. Maria Jose Romo-Palafox for supporting this project every step of the way.  She has taught me that nutrition counseling is more than just talking about food but creating a sustainable lifestyle. Her commitment to the St. Louis community, her research, and her clients has fostered my passion to become a registered dietitian.