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Our society can be hostile toward people with obesity who commonly face judgment, prejudice, and unfair treatment in their daily lives. This problem extends to the healthcare setting, where patients can face weight bias and stigma from physicians, nurses, psychologists, dietitians, medical students, and even healthcare professionals who specialize in obesity.

Insulin is a commonly used medication to treat patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain is a commonly seen side effect. Patients may have questions about insulin and potential weight gain out of concern for their appearance or their health (or both).

Does your health care provider talk to you about your Body Mass Index (BMI) and do you know what it really means? Widely criticized as…

Each month, the OMA Pediatric Committee reviews a pediatric-focused obesity research update to help keep you up to date about the latest findings. 

Obesity Pillars Journal Volume 9 A Summary of Included Articles Once-weekly semaglutide administered after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Effects on body weight, glycemic control, and measured nutritional metrics in Japanese patients having both obesity and type 2 diabetes This study investigated the impact of once-weekly semaglutide treatment after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in 29 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Motivational interviewing for weight management among college students during COVID-19: An exploratory randomized controlled trial During the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity rates among U.S. Read Article Patient perceptions of three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging technology and traditional methods used to assess anthropometry The study discusses the limitations of traditional obesity assessment methods, like Body Mass Index (BMI), which fail to accurately reflect individual body composition variations, and highlights the societal and personal challenges faced by individuals in managing their weight, including stigma and reluctance to engage with healthcare services. It introduces three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging as a non-invasive, precise alternative for assessing human body shape and composition, suggesting it could improve engagement with weight management services by providing a more detailed and less stigmatizing assessment. Read Article Effects of phentermine / topiramate extended-release, phentermine, and placebo on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in adults with overweight or obesity: A randomized, multicenter, double-blind study While anti-obesity medications such as orlistat and glucagon-like peptide (GLP) receptor agonists may reduce blood pressure, the prescribing information for sympathomimetic agents such as phentermine (PHEN) or Phentermine + Topiramate (PHENT/TPM) warn of potential adverse reactions in raising blood pressure. The study focused on the blood pressure-lowering effects of a phentermine and topiramate combination (PHEN/TPM) in overweight and obese patients, comparing its efficacy to placebo and phentermine alone.

Discover the Spark Behind Mark Schwartz Laying the Foundation Mark Schwartz, MD, FOMA, became interested in obesity medicine after one of his colleagues and mentors introduced him to the Obesity Medicine Association. He realized that obesity medicine was his calling and wanted to dedicate 100% of his practice to treating this chronic disease. In 2016, Mark attended his first Obesity Medicine Association conference in Chicago. By being part of the CME committee, he can give back to the OMA and help ensure that future obesity medicine specialists have access to high-quality educational content. Mark's advice to future obesity medicine specialists is to treat obesity as the root cause of their patients’ chronic medical conditions. While the disease of obesity is complex and may take more time during an encounter, the impacts on your patients’ life and satisfaction of watching their overall health improve are worth the investment.” When Mark is not practicing obesity medicine, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son.

Each month, the OMA Pediatric Committee reviews a pediatric-focused obesity research update to help keep you up to date about the latest findings. 

Two specific member benefits stood out for Natalie in her journey with OMA: the Obesity Algorithm ®, with its highly detailed and organized mass of information, was an invaluable resource in guiding Natalie through the complex landscape of obesity treatment. Natalie shared, “Not only are OMA conferences highly education and extremely inspirational, but I also get to meet some amazing influential people in Obesity Medicine.”

Discover the most effective weight loss medications approved by the FDA. Comprehensive guide on safety, dosage, and efficacy for 2024.