The Impact of Obesity | Recording-The Impact of Obesity

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This session, supported by Novo Nordisk and the Obesity Association, focuses on person-centered obesity care. Dr. Victoria Buhari, triple board-certified in endocrinology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine, highlights obesity as a chronic, progressive, relapsing, multifactorial disease recognized by the AMA since 2013. Obesity affects one in five US adults, with projections rising sharply, emphasizing the need for structured, equitable treatment akin to other chronic diseases.<br /><br />Obesity's complex causes include biological, behavioral, social, economic, psychological, and healthcare system factors. Hormonal dysregulation plays a key role, debunking myths that obesity is due solely to lifestyle choices. Diagnosis primarily uses BMI but also considers waist measures and body composition to assess risk accurately.<br /><br />Person-centered care involves collaborative goal setting, with modest weight loss (5-15%) improving comorbidities like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea. Addressing stigma and bias in healthcare is vital, using respectful communication frameworks like the Five A’s.<br /><br />Treatment includes a multidisciplinary approach integrating nutrition, physical activity, behavioral modification, medications, and sometimes surgery. Newer medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, achieve significant weight loss and have expanded FDA-approved indications, improving cardiovascular outcomes and sleep apnea, though Medicare coverage remains limited.<br /><br />Long-term medication use is individualized since obesity is chronic and relapsing. Surgical options have updated eligibility criteria, with various procedures offering different weight loss outcomes. Overall, obesity requires comprehensive, equitable, evidence-based, patient-centered care emphasizing advocacy and reducing stigma.

Keywords

person-centered obesity care

chronic obesity disease

obesity prevalence US

multifactorial obesity causes

BMI and body composition

weight loss benefits

obesity stigma and bias

obesity medications semaglutide tirzepatide

multidisciplinary obesity treatment