Foundations of Pediatric Obesity – Virtual Course

Speaker: Jaime Moore, MD, MPH

Description: During this session, we will review the physiology of central energy regulation, including the hedonic (emotions, reward, pleasure) and homeostatic (metabolic) brain systems. We will describe key gut and adipose tissues hormones and how they communicate with the brain. And, will highlight how disruptions in these neuroendocrine systems are associated with obesity, and can be targets for treatment. We will also cover how metabolic adaptation can undermine efforts to lose weight.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the two major systems in the brain that regulate energy intake
2. Understand the role of the major hormones in the gut and adipose tissue and how they change in obesity
3. Recognize the concept of metabolic adaptation and how it may apply to the effectiveness of treatment strategies

8:00-9:00 AM - From Soup to Nuts: The Pathophysiology of Primary Obesity

Speaker: Jessica Duis, MD, MS

Description: We will discuss the genetic underpinning of obesity, in particular syndromic causes of obesity. Characteristics of the disorders including common presenting features will be discussed. We will emphasize the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the known genetic pathways important in obesity
2. Review monogenic causes of obesity and important implicated chromosomal regions
3. Consider the syndromic causes of obesity and their presenting features

Speaker: Megan Kelsey, MD, MS

Description: This session will discuss various aspects of treatment of obesity, particularly as it applies to youth with severe obesity and those with other related and unrelated health disorders.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe specific offerings for evaluation and treatment of obesity at a tertiary care center
2. Review the typical pathway of care for a patient being offered anti-obesity pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery
3. Understand the structure of and referral process for the Lifestyle Medicine program at Children's Hospital Colorado

Speaker: Matthew Haemer, MD, MPH

Description: This session will discuss practical methods to apply American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for the treatment of obesity in primary care. Updates to the evidence base that guides care, reasonable expectations of treatment in the primary care setting, and strategies to make effective referrals will be discussed including through case examples.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe a practical framework for implementing recommended obesity treatment in primary care settings
2. Formulate realistic expectations of how children might be expected to respond to primary care-based treatment
3. Demonstrate strategies for making effective referrals to more intensive obesity treatment interventions.