Welcome Dr Marije Galavazi, COM Lead of the Obesity Unit Örebro, Överviktsenheten, at the University Hospital Örebro in Sweden. Dr Galavazi leads a team of five clinical professionals, including two psychologists, a physiotherapist, a dietitian, and a specialist research nurse. Together with three postgraduate students, the entire team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients with obesity. This COM offers a range of obesity management options and services, with a focus on helping patients understand the disease of obesity. We are excited to have Dr Galavazi share insights into her team’s ongoing work and challenges.
Welcome, Dr Galavazi! Could you please tell us about the research projects your team is currently involved in and any relevant publications?
Our team is currently working on several research projects. Two of our ongoing studies are collaborations with Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, focussing on GLP 1-agonists. In addition, we are conducting a study on a web-based obesity treatment approach developed by our COM, based on CBT principles. It focuses on promoting lifestyle changes that improve patient health and quality of life, rather than weight loss. Providing accurate information about obesity to the patients is central to the program, with the aim of reducing any feelings of guilt and shame patients may feel surrounding the disease.
Our COM has also recently published two articles which are important for supporting people living with obesity. One is a qualitative study which explores the complex, lifelong challenges faced by people living with obesity. The study highlights the importance of developing empathetic care models in primary healthcare that recognise and nurture patient strengths, to better support obesity management. It also highlights the need to address weight stigma in both society and healthcare, advocating for greater understanding to improve patient outcomes. The second recent publication is a longitudinal prospective observational study that examines levels of physical activity, enjoyment, self-efficacy for exercise, and social support before and after metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Thank you. Please could you tell us more about your COM team? How does your COM attract and retain top talent, and what kind of professional development opportunities are available for your staff?
We place a strong emphasis on continuous education and professional development for our COM team members. Despite the current economic challenges facing our region, which have impacted our ability to develop new programs, we continue to provide opportunities for our staff to participate in ongoing studies and offer them the chance to advance their knowledge. One of the ways we’ve maintained talent is by offering our staff the opportunity to be actively involved in our research projects. This involvement not only enhances their professional skills but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work. Members of our team have also attended the EASO COMs Summits, which we have found to be very valuable for knowledge development.
What are the main challenges your team currently faces, and have you taken any actions to address them?
One of our most pressing challenges is the poor economic situation in our region, which has negatively affected obesity care across all stages of healthcare. Despite this, we remain committed to our mission. One specific challenge has been establishing group-based interventions for obesity in primary care, due to these financial constraints. To address this, we have offered to have one of our COM team members lead group sessions alongside professionals from respective health centres. This collaborative approach has resulted in two centres now running their own group-based interventions, which is a positive step forward for patients’ obesity management.
Thank you, Dr Galavazi, for sharing these insights. It is inspiring to learn how your team is contributing to the field of obesity management. We look forward to hearing more about your ongoing research and future successes.
This ‘Meet the COMs’ edition featured Dr Marije Galavazi, who shared the impactful work being done at Obesity Unit Örebro, Överviktsenheten, University Hospital Örebro. Dr Galavazi discussed her team’s ongoing research projects, their approach to professional development and talent retention, and the challenges they face due to the region’s economic constraints. Her dedication to advancing obesity care, despite these challenges, highlights the commitment of her team to improving patient outcomes. Thank you, Marije!