Cleveland Clinic’s Post

A year in review: The field of obesity medicine in 20

In special issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology covering #obesity, co-editors #JasmohanBajaj and Millie Long opine on how obesity in GI disorders provides many unique, multi-faceted insights into one of the defining disorders of our age. Obesity affects 1 in 8 adults worldwide and is increasing among children and adolescents. The economic impact is anticipated to rival most other non-communicable diseases and is an urgent clinical and public health problem. This immense burden has the potential to impact clinical care and policy decisions with important caveats pertaining to social determinants of health, disparities, and availability of therapeutic options. The current issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology was imagined as a crossroads between the multiple specialties involved in studying obesity pathogenesis. We also aimed to highlight the burden, treatment, and challenges in implementation of programs aimed at obesity reduction. An exciting development is the emergence of GI specialists as a major hub in the management of obesity. This rapidly changing role of GI practitioners in obesity management ranges from medication utilization, to endoscopic management, to writing exercise prescriptions. Our collection of articles emphasizes the multidisciplinary management of obesity via collaboration amongst primary care physicians, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists, and surgeons. The frameshift in obesity management is exciting and has the potential to reach patients who would not otherwise have access to this expertise across numerous provider types. #liverhealth https://bit.ly/3ReWzpD

In 2018, Dr. Andrew Kraftson identified a significant gap in obesity care among primary care clinicians. Traditional advice like "eat less and exercise more" was not enough, and many clinicians were unprepared to manage modern obesity treatments like semaglutide. To address this, Dr. Kraftson and Dina Hafez Griauzde launched the Weight Navigation Program (WNP) at Michigan Medicine. Since its inception, the WNP has provided individualized, evidence-based weight management treatments to over 1,200 high-risk patients, yielding significant results. A recent study in JAMA Network Open found that WNP participants lost an average of 12 lbs within a year, with over 40% achieving a weight loss of at least 5%. These results underscore the importance of dedicated, structured obesity management in primary care. Tips for Enhancing Obesity Care: ✅ Acknowledge the Training Gap ✅ Dedicate Time for Obesity Management ✅ Develop In-Practice Expertise ✅ Familiarize with Local Resources ✅ Establish Safe Medication Practices ✅ Integrate Mental and Behavioural Health Support ✅ Utilize Population Health Management Tools Join us in advocating for improved obesity care in primary care settings to make a lasting impact on patients' lives. 🌟 #ObesityMatters #PrimaryCare #ObesityManagement #HealthcareAdvocacy #PatientCare #HealthEquity https://ow.ly/uQhl50SB5Hq

Great to see this new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults from EASO. 'In many settings, the diagnosis of obesity is still based solely on body mass index (BMI) cut-off values, and does not reflect the role of adipose tissue distribution and function in the severity of the disease.' I agree it is time to move away from BMI and towards a more complete clinical evaluation of the patient. 'Based on current clinical evidence, the diagnosis of obesity should not be based solely on the presence of an abnormal and/or excessive fat accumulation (anthropometric component). The diagnosis of obesity should instead include a careful analysis of the present and potential effects that dysfunctional and/or excessive fat accumulation may have on health.' Another key part to highlight 'Behavioral modifications, including nutritional therapy, physical activity, stress reduction and sleep improvement, were agreed as main cornerstones of obesity management, with the possible addition of psychological therapy, obesity medications and metabolic or bariatric (surgical and endoscopic) procedures.' Treatment needs to be individualised and delivered in collaboration with the patient.

Pragmatic Implementation of Online Obesity Treatment and Maintenance Interventions in Primary Care - A Randomized Clinical Trial

Yours truly at twenty30 health writes at MedCity News on ‘Why GLP-1s Alone Cannot Solve the Obesity Crisis.’ I begin that ‘…Any siloed approach to weight loss – whether it’s medication, behavioral changes, or surgery – is not the answer…’ and go on to promote ‘…a multimodal and holistic approach… [to] …keep the weight off and support a person’s overall health.’ I wholeheartedly support GLP-1s and applaud their development, as a bariatric surgeon and PhD scientist. A new lens understands obesity as a disease, not as a character flaw. We must offer people with obesity ‘…a range of suitable treatments as well: behavioral, nutrition, exercise, medication and surgery, through a coordinated and holistic approach under one roof, with a care coordinator.’ And this aligns so well with cancer care, as a useful model – obesity ‘…is a sophisticated disease and it needs a comprehensive and ongoing treatment model. GLP-1s may be part of that equation, but they, alone, cannot solve the problem.’ https://lnkd.in/eEbMBE7N

What's in a name? Is the term "OBESITY" so stigmatized that the only solution lies in changing the name? One probable name is ABCD (Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease); will that serve the purpose? How do we define Obesity? Is that a disease or risk factor? It was first recognized as a disease by WHO in 1948, European Commission defines it as a "chronic relapsing disease, which in turn acts as a gateway to a range of other non-communicable diseases. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission on the Definition and Diagnosis of Clinical Obesity is trying to find the answers. https://lnkd.in/gTV-Fu_9

The European Association for the Study of Obesity recently released a new framework for the diagnosis and management of obesity. Form Health Chief Medical Officer, Florencia Halperin, explains how this framework aligns with Form's comprehensive approach to obesity treatment. This new framework underscores the importance of a thorough medical evaluation and individualized treatment plans, which is at exactly how we provide care at Form Health. Want to learn more about our science-based, individualized approach? Reach out to employers@formhealth.co.

🌟 Excited to share insights from Dr. Mudit Sabharwal in a recent interview, where he delved deep into the intricate relationship between thyroid disorders and diabetes management. As an expert in Diabetes & Endocrinology, Dr. Sabharwal shed light on how these conditions intertwine and impact patient care. From the complexities in diagnosis to the vital role of consistent medication, the interview explored it all. Managing both facets simultaneously is key to optimal health outcomes. Dr. Sabharwal aims to raise awareness and empower individuals to navigate these challenges effectively. Read more about it in the interview! #ThyroidHealth #DiabetesManagement #HealthcareInsights 🩺💡 Fortis Hospitals Fortis Healthcare Fortis La Femme Dharma Diabetes & Metabolic Clinics Thyroid Federation International Thyroid UK American Thyroid Association, Inc. (ATA) Diabetes UK American Diabetes Association Diabetes Canada Illness to wellness ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) ASSOCHAM Alok Nayak Shakti Singh

Can a vibrating device stop you from being hungry? Read our latest article to learn how scientists at @Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a vibrating ingestible pill to combat obesity! #medicalnews #medicaldevice #technology #obesity #medicalnewsbulletin