Dr Yoni Freedhoff - Weighty Matters

Today we have another interview in our Get To Know A ScienceBlogger Series. Today’s interview is with Dr Yoni Freedhoff, a family physician and founder of Ottawa’s Bariatric Medical Institute (a “multi-disciplinary, ethical, evidence-based nutrition and weight management centre”). His blog Weighty Matters is extremely influential in the area of weight management and policy (especially here in Canada) and has inspired many other obesity researchers and practitioners to enter social media, including Peter and myself. Enjoy the interview!

 

To learn more about Yoni please check out Weighty Matters or connect with him on Twitter.

 

 

What is the general subject of your blog? What is a “typical” post for you, both in terms of length and in terms of the topic.

Exposing what I see as truths behind nutrition, weight management, health policy and advertising. My typical post finds a study, a policy or an advertisement that’s trying to pull a fast one and calls it out. Length wise, I’d guess an average would be 400 words.

 

What was your primary reason for starting a blog?

I’ve been blogging for a relatively long time. Started out in 2005 and did so because a friend of mine who’s a PR expert told me I should. I think it was his nice way of asking me to shut up. I think he told me something along the lines of , “you seem to have a lot to say, why don’t you start a blog?”.

 

How often do you post, and roughly how much time goes into each post?

I post 6 days a week. Time really varies. I’d say most posts take 10 minutes. The more detailed posts can take hours.

 

How do you fit in time for the blog?

I’m not sure. I write quickly, so that doesn’t hurt. Sometimes, if I know it’s going to be a very busy few weeks, I’ll tee up the two weeks posts in their entirety before the busy time hits.

 

Have there been any benefits to blogging, either personally or professionally?

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