Episode 78 - Obesity management and the delboeuf illusion - Helen Coleman and Victoria Bowes

In this CAM LIVE episode, Esme Howells is joined by Helen Coleman and Victoria Bowes to explore practical, everyday approaches to managing obesity in dogs.

The conversation focuses on realistic strategies caregivers can implement at home, from portion control and feeding habits to enrichment-based approaches that support both physical and mental wellbeing. A key concept discussed is the Delboeuf illusion, demonstrating how bowl size and presentation can influence how much we perceive as an appropriate portion, often leading to unintentional overfeeding.

Helen and Victoria share a range of practical feeding tips and enrichment ideas that can help reduce calorie intake while maintaining satisfaction and engagement for the dog. The episode highlights how small environmental and behavioural adjustments can make a meaningful difference in long-term weight management.

This episode aligns closely with CAM’s focus on weight management, emphasising that sustainable change comes from consistent daily habits rather than short-term interventions.

Original publishing date: September 2020

Video recording: https://youtu.be/ng2j5VwuOSA

Guest Bio

Victoria Bowes is a Veterinary Nursing Course Manager at Moreton Morrell College. She is a qualified veterinary nurse with over 20 years of experience across small animal and emergency practice. Victoria has also contributed to the development of veterinary nursing programmes across multiple awarding institutions.

Helen Coleman is a lecturer and subject leader for animal-related degree courses at Moreton Morrell College. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Welfare and Management and previously worked in pet retail before moving into education. With over 13 years of teaching experience, her focus is on promoting responsible pet ownership and shaping future professionals in the animal sector.

Key take homes

1. Obesity management often starts with human perception, and tools like the Delboeuf illusion highlight how easily portion sizes can be misjudged.

2. Small environmental changes, such as bowl size and feeding presentation, can significantly influence feeding behaviour and calorie intake.

3. Enrichment feeding is a powerful tool, helping to slow intake, increase mental stimulation and improve satiety without increasing calories.

4. Sustainable weight management depends on consistent daily habits rather than restrictive short-term diets.

5. Educating caregivers on practical, realistic strategies is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy body condition in dogs.

Relevant links

The Management of Pet Obesity book

https://www.5mbooks.com/the-management-of-pet-obesity.html

Learn more about CAM:

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

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Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.