Obesity, a highly misunderstood condition, is a complex and chronic disease associated with varying metabolic and weight-related comorbidities. It develops from an interaction of genotype and the environment. Yet, too often, behavioral choices (eg, lack of willpower or motivation) are considered to be its root causes. In this activity, a leading expert in obesity management and medical education provides a review of the pathology of obesity (its causes and sequelae) and the metabolic forces that defend body fat mass, making active and sustained weight loss so difficult. The components of an effective obesity management program, which treats not only weight management but overall patient health goals, is introduced. The nutrient-stimulated hormone-based therapeutics now available can address the pathology of obesity to leverage lifestyle changes, which lead to weight loss.

Course Faculty:  Robert F. Kushner, MD, MS, DABOM​

Physician Credit Available: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Nursing Credit Available: 0.25 ANCC contact hours

Managing obesity in primary care has many challenges, including time constraints on clinicians and the feelings of shame and embarrassment in patients who are struggling with weight management. This video case highlights 2 approaches to managing a primary care patient who presents with several health concerns, most of which are obesity related. One scenario showcases the challenges in a typical primary care visit: time constraints, addressing multiple patient concerns, and broaching the topic of weight management with someone who is embarrassed and overwhelmed by her weight. The second shows how the use of motivational interviewing, patient-centered language, and shared decision-making can help to start the conversation on obesity management, leading to more effective treatment approaches, greater success in clinical outcomes, and an improved clinician-patient relationship—all within the time limitations of a typical primary care visit. The video case also offers the patient’s perspectives on these 2 approaches.

Course Faculty: Jaime Almandoz, MD, MBA, MRCPI, FTOS, DABOM (Presenter)

Physician Credit Available: 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Nursing Credit Available: 0.5 ANCC contact hours

 

Managing obesity in primary care has many challenges, including time constraints on clinicians and the required use of telehealth by some patients. This video case highlights 2 approaches to managing a long-term primary care patient who is trying to lose weight and change the trajectory of his obesity-related comorbidities but is feeling defeated by unsuccessful weight loss efforts. One scenario showcases the many challenges in a typical primary care telehealth visit and the second shows how the use of motivational interviewing, patient-centered language, and shared decision-making can drastically change the conversation around obesity management, leading to more effective treatment approaches, greater success in clinical outcomes, and an improved clinician-patient relationship—all within the time limitations of a typical primary care visit. The video case also offers the patient’s perspectives on these 2 approaches.

Course Faculty: Robert F. Kushner, MD, MS, DABOM (Course Director),

Physician Credit Available: 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Nursing Credit Available: 0.75 ANCC contact hours