Shelley...

I have to agree with you on the attitudes that many doctors have and yes, I've run into the the problem of having a doctor not like that I actually knew something about my disease and was willing to disagree with him openly. Fortunately the doctor that I have now, while a bit quick with the prescription pad, is willing to hear what I have to say and respects that I actually have more than a few grey cells between my ears and that I have become quite knowledgable about my disease. He has become my partner in managing my health.
I also agree with you that it's at least not in the interest of the drug companies for people to start taking charge of their health and fighting obesity by changing their diets. As for doctors...well I'm not so sure about that. We will always need doctors even if obesity is wiped out; there are a host of other diseases and illnesses as well as injuries that they are still needed for to advise and treat. OTOH...the diet industry would take a huge hit.