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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Obesity and Mental Health
How does obesity affect mental health and vice versa? Understanding this complex relationship can help when treating patients with obesity
Motivational Interviewing for Obesity Treatment
Using Motivational Interviewing for Obesity Treatment In the treatment of the disease of obesity, where conventional approaches often fall short in achieving lasting outcomes, a…
Pediatric Obesity Research Update | Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obesity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Each month, the OMA Pediatric Committee reviews a pediatric-focused obesity research update to help keep you up to date about the latest findings. This month’s update addresses Autism…
Top 5 Reasons to Attend Overcoming Obesity 2023
We are just over two months away from Overcoming Obesity 2023. This one-of-a-kind conference, happening Oct 25-29 in San Antonio, TX is the perfect opportunity…
Overcoming Obesity 2023 – Schedule Announcement
The agenda for Overcoming Obesity 2023 is now available to view! The Overcoming Obesity 2023 conference in San Antonio, TX, Oct 25-29 is the perfect…
What is the Gold Standard for determining Body Fat?
This question really depends on what we mean by the gold standard. The “gold standard” refers to a benchmark, criterion, or method that is widely…
Overcoming Obesity 2023 Featured Speaker Announced
Join OMA this October 25-29 in San Antonio, TX for Overcoming Obesity 2023. This conference is the perfect opportunity to network with fellow obesity medicine…
The OBSERVE Study: Healthcare Provider Perceptions of Obesity and Obesity Treatment – Quantitative Results
Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company While there are many groups that have a stake in how obesity care is approached, healthcare providers (HCPs) and…
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.” The disease of obesity affects more than one-third of U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC uses body mass index (BMI), or a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters, to measure obesity. Individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered to have obesity. While BMI can be used as an initial tool to screen for obesity, it does have limitations. The WHO recognizes these limitations, stating that BMI is only “a crude population measure of obesity.”