Treats and Obesity

How can your entire veterinary team work together to treat pet obesity and prevent weight problems early in life?

Interviewer Ernie Ward speaks with Rachel Lumbis and Georgia Woods-Lee about launching a successful, clinic-wide weight program. First, Rachel Lumbis shares how to make nutrition the fifth vital assessment in every consultation, train staff on common scenarios, and empower veterinary nurses to lead independent conversations. Then, Georgia Woods-Lee tackles the medical side of weight management, explaining why cutting regular food portions risks serious nutrient deficiencies, and how tracking evidence-based growth charts stops obesity early.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
• WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
• Association for Pet Obesity Prevention – Educational data, toolkits, and clinical research dedicated to pet weight management. 
• Waltham Puppy and Kitten Growth Charts – Free, evidence-based clinical tracking tools to monitor healthy growth patterns.

Contributors

• Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT: Founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and the World Pet Obesity Association. (Website | LinkedIn | Instagram)
• Rachel Lumbis MSc, BSc (Hons), PGCert (MedEd), CertSAN, RVN, FHEA: Postgraduate Research Student at the University of Glasgow, and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (ORCID)
• Georgia Woods-Lee BSc(Hons), RVN, CertCFVHNut, VTS (Nutrition): Clinical Lead for the Obesity Care Clinic at the University of Liverpool. (LinkedIn | Instagram)

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.