Bob Esquerre Health & Fitness Business GRID

The findings from this study are a wake-up call for health and fitness professionals who are supporting various pathways to success.

The findings reinforce my belief that, regardless of the pathway a person chooses—whether it includes lifestyle change, obesity management medications (GLP-1s), bariatric surgery, or a combination of approaches—our responsibility is not to judge that choice.

Our responsibility is to become a trusted member of their support team from the very beginning of their journey.

By helping individuals build strength, preserve lean muscle, improve function, and create sustainable healthy habits, we have the opportunity to positively influence not only their immediate outcomes but also their long-term health and quality of life.

"See the Person. Honor the Journey. Support the Pathway. Change Lives."

‘Secret shopper’ study: Most websites prescribe GLP-1s without clinician visit PHILADELPHIA — Most websites selling GLP-1 receptor agonists prescribe medications without any direct interaction with a health care professional, according to data from a “secret shopper” study. Researchers attempted to obtain GLP-1 prescriptions from 49 websites selling the class of medicati...

As a follow-up to this week's posts about the obesity challenges facing Nebraska—and Omaha in particular—I would like to share the attached graphic, which summarizes our guiding principle for supporting individuals on their journeys to improved health and well-being, regardless of where they are in that journey or the pathway they have chosen.

Our philosophy is simple:

**See the Person. Honor the Journey. Support the Pathway. Change Lives.**

This Person-First approach reminds us to look beyond a diagnosis or number on a scale and recognize the individual, respect their unique journey, and provide compassionate, evidence-informed support.

Whether someone is pursuing lifestyle changes, using obesity management medications, considering bariatric surgery, or combining multiple approaches, our role is to meet people where they are and help them move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Our recent post about the obesity spectrum in Omaha, Nebraska generated quite a bit of feedback—both positive and critical—especially around the discussion of bariatric surgery as a treatment option for children and adolescents living with severe obesity.

The responses highlight just how important, complex, and emotionally charged this topic is for many individuals, families, healthcare professionals and fitness professionals.

I still remember the days of playing in the school yards in the Bronx; I remember the days of playing outside with my friends after school until mom yelled out the window “Bobby, Rene…Dinner is Ready”!

I also still remember playing “Hot Peas & Butter” & “Tag” outside on non-school nights.

We can’t forget about “Dodge Ball”, Skateboarding, Roller Skating, Stickball & Handball”!

When I'm out and about in Omaha and see multiple generations of families living with obesity, I find it both personally and professionally moving.

Behind every statistic are individuals, families, and communities navigating complex health challenges.

As a health and fitness professional, it's a reminder that obesity is not simply an individual issue—it is often a multi-generational challenge that requires compassion, support, education, and community-based solutions.

Let’s Continue to support “Journeys-to-Success” with options that are customer-centric.
PS……We’re starting to get traction in Omaha. More to follow.

In 2024, I partnered with Ann Gilbert to develop a series of customer-centered programming solutions designed to support individuals on their unique journeys-to-success while managing obesity with Obesity Management Medications (OMMs).

From day one, our philosophy was simple: meet people where they are. We understand that there is no single path to better health, and every individual's journey deserves respect, support, and a personalized approach.

As Ann successfully re-launched her weight management program throughout the Tampa Metro area, my own journey took an unexpected turn.

In 2025, I relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, to assume an Operations Management position in the health and fitness industry.

To be honest, before arriving, my image of Omaha had been shaped more by watching Hell on Wheels than by any real understanding of the city itself.

Having lived and worked across the United States and in different parts of the world, I thought I had seen just about everything.

I was wrong.

What I discovered was a vibrant community filled with hardworking people, strong family values, and a health challenge that is impossible to ignore.

Behind the statistics are real people, real families, and real stories of struggle, resilience, and hope.

The following carousel highlights the scope of the obesity challenge facing Omaha today—and why the opportunity to make a meaningful difference has never been greater for the health and fitness sector in partnership with other community-based resources.

Another fact that I was totally not aware of is that there are at least 8 accredited adolescent bariatric surgery programs in the US……and that one of those programs is in Omaha, Nebraska.

My Story Continues>>>More-To-Follow.

At 7:41 AM CST today, I received a WhatsApp text from our Global Colleague, Joanne Groves...Her Question......Where is Bob?

I have come up from "The Trenches" in Omaha. We are having a "teaching/learning" Blast! Met new friends & colleagues as we continue to bond and grow with the Genesis Leadership Team.

Everyone in Omaha is being touched by "Bob-from-the-Bronx!" They will never be the same!