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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.

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

Learn about the side effects of weight loss drugs, from digestive issues to long-term impacts. Get the facts before starting your regimen.

Today, there's renewed optimism due to the emergence of GLP1-based drug therapies like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), which demonstrate remarkable effectiveness for weight and health. Unfortunately, many of the available alternatives, like compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, are not what they are advertised to be. These companies stated that they do not sell the active ingredient to compounding pharmacies, and substances made or distributed by compounding pharmacies or other healthcare practitioners that claim to be semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, quality, or efficacy. For more information, see the following details: Compounded peptides: An Obesity Medicine Association Position Statement - ScienceDirect | Obesity Medicine Association Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss | FDA Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers | FDA Open Letter Regarding the Use of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) and Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) | Eli Lilly and Company Responsible Use Letter | Novo Nordisk Things You Should Know About Compounded Anti-Obesity (AOM) Medications | Obesity Medicine Association

Chelsea Wiltjer Yost, MD, is a Medical Director & Obesity Medicine Specialist for Emory Bariatric Center and Assistant Professor of General Internal Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine