Welcome to the OMA Blog
The Obesity Medicine Association Blog is the leading industry hub for obesity medicine. Find the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to tackle the multifaceted disease of obesity. Hear from OMA Outreach Committee members, OMA Board members, and more to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors influencing obesity and explore innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, and long-term management. Join a community of healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals passionate about combating obesity.
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Pediatric Research Update | Low-Carbohydrate Diets in Children and Adolescents With or at Risk for Diabetes
Each month, the OMA Pediatric Committee reviews a pediatric-focused obesity research update to help keep you up to date about the latest findings.
February 2024 Member Highlight
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.”
Top Weight Loss Medications
Discover the most effective weight loss medications approved by the FDA. Comprehensive guide on safety, dosage, and efficacy for 2024.
Pediatric Research Update | Adipokines: Deciphering the cardiovascular signature of adipose tissue.
Each month, the OMA Pediatric Committee reviews a pediatric-focused obesity research update to help keep you up to date about the latest findings.
Weight Loss Medication Side Effects: Know Before You Start
Learn about the side effects of weight loss drugs, from digestive issues to long-term impacts. Get the facts before starting your regimen.
Leading Obesity Expert Organizations Release Statement to Patients on Compounded GLP-1 Alternatives
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
January Member Highlight
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
Why Obesity is a Disease
In 2013, the AMA declared that obesity is a disease, a controversial claim that has sparked debate. OMA explains why we believe that obesity is a disease.
Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Medication?
With weight loss medications proliferating and attracting ample media attention, more patients are asking about their costs. Several newer medications, mainly GLP-1 receptor agonists, have been introduced. Some are diabetes treatments prescribed off-label, and, in some cases, manufacturers have rebranded and gained FDA approval specifically to treat obesity. For example, in November 2023, the FDA approved Zepbound, a brand name for the drug tripeptide, already sold as Mounjaro, to treat diabetes.