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"We are at a transformational time in our understanding of metabolic health, body fat, and the disease of obesity. What we do today will impact future generations." - Dr. Sylvia Bollie 

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Personal Experience with Obesity & Bias

In many ways, my entire life has prepared me for working in obesity & health disparities. Sadly, I witnessed complications of obesity debilitate Grandma Sylvia. Although I couldn’t understand it then, I see now how racial and weight biases affected her care. Eight years ago, after the birth of my son, I became a part of the “Black women have the highest rate of obesity.” Sitting on the other side of obesity assessment and treatment, I painfully experienced obesity assessment and care inadequacies.  What I learned about the history of body mass index (BMI), body composition, and the diverse causes of obesity forever changed how I practice medicine.

Changing the World of Weight Loss & Wellness

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My personal experiences with bias and losing and maintaining significant weight loss over 8 years drives my passion for compassionate, competent, individualized obesity care. We are at a pivotal time in our understanding of metabolic health, body fat, and the disease of obesity. What we do today will impact future generations.

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In 2020, I launched Embrace You Weight & Wellness, a virtual wellness and weight loss telehealth and coaching service, to address the disparities in personalized obesity care. In 2021 I released the bestseller "Embrace You: Your Guide to Transforming Weight Loss Misconceptions Into Lifelong Wellness." "Embrace You: Your Guide..." is Healthline.com's "Best Weight Loss Book of 2022 and 2023."

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I am passionate about educating on the disparities in obesity care in the Black community and personalized obesity care. I have spoken at Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) conferences, the National Medical Association, created the Black Health Obesity webinar series, and currently host a show on BlackDoctor.org.

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I am an expert reviewer for Livestrong.com. I serve on the ACP Obesity Advisory Committee and OMA Membership and Diversity Committees. In 2022 I was elected to the Obesity Medicine Association Board of Trustees. The same year I became a fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association.

My husband of 15 years, Rodney Bollie, and I enjoy giving back to the community. As a first-generation Liberian American, born to Liberian immigrants in Atlanta, I enjoy giving back to the community. In 2017, Rodney and I founded the Institute of Basic Technology, Liberia's only non-profit STEM lab for high school students. Our family resides in the DC Metro area and frequently escapes the DC hustle on the beautiful walking trails. 

Giving Back

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Speaking Opportunities

I believe in using my voice to educate the medical community and the public on topics such as:

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  • Obesity and the black community

  • Moving beyond bias in the BMI (Body Mass Index)

  • Obstacles with fitting wellness into a busy lifestyle

  • Overcoming unhealthy cravings: using food as fuel

  • Chronic disease prevention

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I do speaking engagements, medical articles, expert opinions for media pieces, and more. 

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If you would like to have me contribute to your next article or event, follow the link to fill out my speaker request form. Once the form is completed, someone from my team will reach out to you.

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