Michelle Cardel, PhD, RD

06/09/2026

The American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions always remind me why I value being part of this community. The science is important, but the best part of this meeting was connecting with extraordinary people who have dedicated their careers to improving the lives of those living with diabetes and obesity. The human piece of this work matters deeply.

At the same time, it feels important to acknowledge the events surrounding this year’s meeting that have led respected leaders to resign from the ADA. As Ted Kyle so thoughtfully wrote, “This growing backlash suggests the issue is far more consequential than a dispute over meeting rules. Instead, members see it as a question of academic freedom, organizational governance, and the values that should define a scientific association.”

Science should unite us in pursuit of truth, rigor, and better outcomes for patients. As scientists, clinicians, and advocates, we must stand together and stand for science.

Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful. The conversations, collaborations, and commitment I witnessed this week reaffirm that there are so many passionate people working tirelessly to advance evidence-based care. If we continue to lead with integrity, curiosity, and compassion, our field and the people we serve will be stronger because of it.

05/03/2026

April was beyond busy but in all the best ways ❤️

03/21/2026

The last two weeks in Australia 🇦🇺 has been nothing short of incredible.

From hiking to waterfalls and swimming in places that felt straight out of a dream, to surf lessons and long walks by the ocean… this trip filled our cups in every way.

Sydney brought a different kind of magic - meaningful work, inspiring conversations, and time with wonderful colleagues and friends. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my Kailera Therapeutics medical affairs and clinical development colleagues and to teach investigators and dietitians and contribute to the important work supporting patients on GLP-1 therapies in our phase 3 clinical trials on injectable ribupatide.

In between it all, we reconnected with an old friend on the Gold Coast and had the joy of meeting his family, and experienced unforgettable moments like seeing Madama Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House.

But what means the most is sharing all of this with my family - showing my kids the world, exploring together, and creating memories I know we’ll carry forever.

Feeling incredibly grateful for work that allows me to be in such meaningful spaces,
and even more grateful when I get to bring the people I love along for the adventure 🤍

03/11/2026

First four days of our Australia trip have been epic. Highlights so far have been camping 🏕️ at the for Roar and Snore 😴, hiking in the Blue Mountains, and spending time checking out the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Beyond grateful to have this epic adventure with my family ❤️❤️❤️

03/04/2026

I’m excited to share that I joined Kailera Therapeutics in February as Senior Medical Director for Medical Affairs.

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that deserves the same rigor, compassion, and nuance as any other complex condition. Too many people have faced stigma, limited options, and fragmented care for far too long. That’s the work our team is here to help change.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked designing behavioral interventions, conducted research utilizing a variety of obesity treatments including pharmacotherapy, and dedicated my career to the study of obesity and nutrition. Most recently, I spent five years at WeightWatchers, including serving as Chief Nutrition Officer, while maintaining my role as co-Director for the Center for Integrative Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease at the University of Florida. Stepping into Kailera feels like a natural next chapter in this journey.

One of my core values is impact. I’ve seen how powerful it can be when we combine lifestyle and behavior change with pharmacotherapy and clinical innovation.

In this role, my goal is to ensure that people living with obesity, and their perspectives, sit at the center of how we generate, interpret, and share evidence.

That means:
✅ Listening to patients and caregivers as we design research and trials
✅ Partnering with clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups
✅ Communicating clearly and responsibly about emerging therapies
✅ Keeping lifestyle and behavior change embedded in conversations about treatment

I am thrilled to work with such an incredible team and take on this new challenge ❤️

03/03/2026

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and the way we talk about it, treat it, and advocate for people living with it matters.

📅 March 2–8 is Obesity Care Week

This week is a call to action to improve access to evidence-based care and to eliminate the stigma and bias that too often stand in the way of treatment.

People living with obesity deserve:
✔️ Respect
✔️ Evidence-based care
✔️ Access to comprehensive treatment options
✔️ Freedom from weight bias

As someone deeply committed to advancing rigorous science and compassionate care, I am proud to say that I am .

I invite colleagues, clinicians, researchers, and advocates to take the pledge and stand together in support of better care for all.

🔗 Learn more and get involved: https://ow.ly/MtL150YmHeO

02/17/2026

💙After nearly 5 incredible years, I’m closing a meaningful chapter at WeightWatchers💙

I’m so proud of what our team built - publishing 60+ peer-reviewed scientific papers, helping develop the first validated Food Noise Questionnaire with Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and supporting WW’s evolution into a new era with the first behavioral program designed specifically for people using GLP-1s. I had the honor of representing WW on global stages, in major media outlets, and alongside an extraordinary scientific community.

Most of all, I’m grateful for the people - the brilliant, mission-driven colleagues, the WW members who taught me so much (you all are amazing!), our scientific advisory board, and the lifelong friendships formed along the way. And yes… meeting Oprah Winfrey was nice too.

I’m excited to be stepping into a new role and can’t wait to share more soon.

02/15/2026

Feeding an 8- and 11-year-old who live on sports fields is equal parts nutrition, logistics, and vibes 😅⚽️🏀

Our goal isn’t perfection. It’s aiming to eat a variety of foods and cover our bases. We aim for meals with protein, fiber, & healthy fats, and we try to eat the rainbow so we’re getting in different vitamins & minerals and covering our bases. 🌈

The kids eat the same food we do (me + my husband)… just often deconstructed. Sauce on the side. Veggies separate. Everyone’s happy.

We prioritize whole, minimally processed foods when we can, but let’s be real, life happens and balance matters so that’s not always possible.

Fueling growing, active bodies while keeping food joyful. That’s the goal. ❤️🍽️

What are things you do to keep your family fed?

01/20/2026

One reason people are pi**ed that people are taking medications, like

01/20/2026