Kristin Bradshaw is nationally certified in obesity medicine and the coordinator of the Healthy Weight and Wellness program at Blessing Health’s Hannibal Clinic.
She is also a patient success story.
“At my heaviest, I weighed over 300 pounds. After years and years of trying to manage my weight with multiple different medications and diet plans, I decided to have bariatric surgery,” she said.
Kristin had surgery in March 2021 and lost more than 140 pounds as a result. She hopes her story motivates others.
“Many of my patients, who have been with me since I joined the Healthy Weight and Wellness program in 2017, have seen these changes firsthand. I truly hope to be a source of inspiration to all who struggle with obesity every single day, as do I.
I am blown away by how far we have come in the world of obesity management just since I started here five years ago. The future is so bright for so many hoping to change their lives and improve their health and wellness. I am grateful every single day to be a part of this weight and wellness team and will continue to stay on top of the game with the advancements we are seeing, including new anti-obesity medication options.”
Kristin recently earned the Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine from the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA).
Certification is available to nurse practitioners and physician assistants who meet OMA requirements, which include earning a minimum of 60 continuing education credits before successfully completing the Association’s review course. The course is based on the American Board of Obesity Medicine examination, which is available to physicians only. OMA certification demonstrates a nurse practitioner’s or physician assistant’s extensive knowledge of evidence-based obesity treatment approaches and their ongoing commitment to patients’ health.
“I am honored to have earned the trust of area providers that allows me to help guide their patients on their weight and wellness journey. I am certain that this certification can only help improve the trust that our patients have in me, and continue to improve the quality of outcomes we have at Hannibal Clinic.”
Morbid obesity is a major health problem that affects close to 64 million adults. Individuals are usually considered morbidly obese if their weight is more than 80 to 100 pounds above their ideal body weight. The disease shortens length and quality of life. The average morbidly obese person lives anywhere from 22 years less than a person of normal weight. It is also the leading contributor to diabetes, and diseases of the heart, lung and liver.
Blessing Health’s bariatric providers in Hannibal and Quincy, focus on educating the patient on their disease, in addition to providing treatment. For more information, visit blessinghealth.org/bariatric.
Original source can be found here.
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