Weight bias infiltrates healthcare settings, creating barriers to effective treatment and perpetuating harm—even when providers believe they're helping. Dr. Norfleet reveals how her own struggles with weight became the key to transforming patient care. Through powerful patient stories and her vulnerable journey from abandoning childhood dreams to embracing medical transparency, she demonstrates how "words have weight" and challenges us to speak thoughtfully, act mindfully, and react compassionately. Dr. Tracy Norfleet is a triple board-certified physician specializing in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from LSU Medical School, completed her Internal Medicine residency at LSU Health Sciences Center, and obtained her MBA from Webster University. Dr. Norfleet serves as Regional Physician Leader for a large medical group in St. Louis, where she was named 2018 Physician of the Year. She is founder of Weight Liberation, where she empowers individuals to achieve their unique health goals and helps community members advocate for themselves and their health in healthcare settings. She is a member of the Obesity Medicine Association, the Obesity Action Coalition, The Obesity Society, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Norfleet serves on various committees in the Obesity Medicine Association and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx