Obesity Matters

More than 40% of American adults have obesity, costing the U.S. healthcare system a staggering $173 billion annually (CDC). The development of incretin-based therapies like GLP-1 and GIP marks a major step forward, but Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are key to maximizing their success. 💡 Why RDNs Matter: 🍎 Provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to optimize weight loss and health. 💊 Support patients in managing medication side effects and adopting nutrient-dense eating plans. 💪 Promote healthy lifestyles, positive body image, and physical activity for long-term success. 📊 Offer guidance on maintaining lean body mass during weight loss. “Obesity care is best provided by an interprofessional team, including RDNs, medical prescribers, health psychologists, and exercise specialists,” says Dr. Robert Kushner of Northwestern University. The paper Incretin-Based Therapies and Lifestyle Interventions highlights the RDN’s evolving role, advocating for expanded access to MNT, collaboration on medication management, and leadership on care teams. #ObesityCare #NutritionMatters #HealthEquity #GLP1 #RDNAwareness https://ow.ly/FlNA50U8L2R

The article emphasizes the growing potential of anti-obesity medications like GLP-1s but highlights significant barriers patients face: stigma, inadequate healthcare support, and limited access to treatment. Many primary care physicians lack training in obesity management, offering generic advice or dismissing symptoms, which leaves patients feeling unsupported. Pharmacotherapy is promising but faces challenges, including high costs, concerns over side effects, and the perception that medication is a “last resort.” Participation in clinical trials is similarly hindered by logistical issues, lack of trust, and insufficient patient education. Addressing obesity requires a comprehensive approach: integrating mental health support, individualized care, and better-informed healthcare professionals. The OM Wellness Workshop aligns with these findings, providing credible education, holistic care, and advocacy for accessible treatments. By empowering individuals and addressing systemic barriers, we aim to drive meaningful and lasting health outcomes. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gWFD5JzB #ObesityCare #GLP1Medications #CommunitySupport #HealthEquity #OMWellnessWorkshop https://ow.ly/1jAi50U8oFs

Jeffrey Habert emphasizes the essential role of primary care practitioners in treating obesity, a chronic disease comparable to hypertension and diabetes. During the Obesity Update Conference, he stressed the need for dedicated time to manage obesity effectively, debunking the notion that it can be addressed within brief visits. As a chronic, complex, and relapsing condition, obesity demands a strategic, long-term approach to treatment and care. #ObesityCare #HealthConference #ChronicDiseaseManagement eoci 📺 Watch the full session here: https://ow.ly/MaHo50U8oyl 📅 Mark your calendar! Obesity Update returns on April 24, 2025. Subscribe now for updates: https://ow.ly/Ygc250U8oym

Julie St-Pierre shares her heartfelt "Why" at #ObesityWeek in San Antonio, emphasizing her personal and professional commitment to the fight against obesity. For Dr. St-Pierre, the battle is both familial and societal—motivated by the struggles her own family faced and the desire to prevent similar hardships for others. Her dedication is fuelled by a deep commitment to enhance engagement, support, and understanding for those dealing with this chronic disease. #HealthAdvocacy #FightObesity #PatientCare The Obesity Society Priti Chawla

Attending #ObesityWeek is always such a rewarding experience! While I enjoy attending sessions and networking, this year, the poster presentations stood out. Among the many insightful posters, one that particularly resonated with me was Michael Albert MD's poster on '12-Month Weight Loss Outcomes in a Virtual Obesity Medicine Practice.' It highlighted the effectiveness of integrating a multidisciplinary approach to #obesitycare in a virtual setting and explored its potential for broader application in similar programs. This aligns closely with what we’re doing at Obesity Matters with our #OMWellnessWorkshop, bringing expert-led education directly to homes, even in underserved areas. And oh, by the way, I’ve long admired Dr. Albert’s work and have followed him closely on LinkedIn. It wasn’t until I saw his name on the poster that I realized the cool presenter in the lilac polo shirt was Dr. Albert himself! This just reaffirms the importance of collaboration, and how meaningful connections can happen in the most unexpected ways. 😊 The Obesity Society

Dr Sanjay Gupta has been exploring the rising questions surrounding GLP-1 medications which over the past year have sparked curiosity from patients, families, and colleagues alike: Are these medications the right choice? While obesity is now one of the most widespread diseases in the developed world, it remains a topic of debate. Is it truly a disease, or something best addressed with diet and exercise? In a recent discussion in Copenhagen, Dr. Gupta spoke with Dr. Jens Juul Holst, a leading scientist who helped discover GLP-1. Dr. Holst shared how his team’s research, initially aimed at treating ulcers, led to the groundbreaking realization that GLP-1 could lower blood sugar and body weight—helping individuals where other treatments had failed. Still, there are challenges to overcome: 🧪 Early doubts from pharmaceutical companies and scientists. 💉 Reluctance to embrace injections for weight loss. 💡 Ongoing debates about whether elevated BMI alone constitutes a disease. Dr. Karin Conde-Knape, head of drug development at Novo Nordisk, weighed in on these complexities, referring to individuals with obesity but no health complications as the “happy obese.” While they may currently appear healthy, she emphasized that they may still face long-term risks of developing other diseases. Dr. Gupta's reflections highlight a key message: addressing obesity requires both prevention and accessible, effective treatments for those already living with the condition. #ObesityMatters #GLP1 #WeightManagement #HealthMatters https://ow.ly/w1W250U8ouZ

Preventing type 2 diabetes (with weight loss and medications) in patients with obesity and overweight over 3 years. Published today (Nov 13, 2024) in the NEJM. Proud to be a Canadian on this paper. The highlights. Sustained weight loss of 22.9% over 3 years. No new safety signals. 99% of patients remained free of type 2 diabetes (all were at risk - had prediabetes). Obesity Matters The Obesity Society ObesityWeek® Lilly Obesity International https://lnkd.in/gMhjkNhf

A groundbreaking study in The Lancet projects that nearly 260 million people in the U.S.—43.1 million children and teens, and 213 million adults—will have overweight or obesity by 2050. This dramatic increase underscores the urgent need for action on both prevention and management of obesity. The Costs of Inaction: 💸 Healthcare costs attributed to obesity are already as high as $481 billion annually. 📈 Obesity is one of the fastest-growing risk factors for early death or disability in the U.S. Management is Critical: While prevention is essential—through healthier school meals, walkable neighbourhoods, and limiting junk food access—addressing the needs of those already living with obesity is just as urgent. The study also highlights a critical gap in care. Advocacy is needed to: ✅ Expand access to affordable, evidence-based medications. ✅ Ensure comprehensive support for people living with obesity through personalized care and management. This crisis demands a balanced approach that includes prevention, advocacy, and accessible treatment for those already affected. 👉 How do you think we can balance prevention efforts with better management and access to treatment? Share your thoughts! #ObesityCrisis #HealthEquity #AccessToCare https://lnkd.in/gd-HjAZt Disclaimer: At Obesity Matters, we are disappointed to continually see stigmatizing images accompanying important discussions about obesity, even from respected media outlets like CNN. These images perpetuate harmful stereotypes and detract from the meaningful dialogue needed to address this complex issue with compassion and respect. #EndObesityStigma #RespectfulMedia

🔍 At the Obesity Update Conference, David Macklin MD CCFP underscored the critical role of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in obesity care. He discussed how identifying and addressing automatic negative thoughts can help patients navigate setbacks with greater resilience. By understanding these psychological patterns, both patients and practitioners can adopt a more compassionate approach to weight management. 🧠💡#CBT #ObesityCare #ObesityUpdate #CompassionInCare 📺 Watch the full session here: https://lnkd.in/gBzuWXsu 📅 Mark your calendar! Obesity Update returns on April 24, 2025. Subscribe now for updates: https://lnkd.in/gaHw3EpY Megha Poddar, MD Sandy Van, MD Akshay Jain Jeffrey Habert Natasha Walia Rebecca Sedore Britt Poppe Sandra Elia eoci

The economic toll of insufficient obesity treatment in Canada has soared to $27.6 billion, according to Obesity Canada – Obésité Canada’s new report, Modelling the Cost of Inaction in Treating Obesity in Canada. This 20% increase highlights the severe financial consequences of inaction on this chronic disease affecting nearly one in three Canadians. 💡Key Findings: ➡️ Healthcare System Strain: Obesity management contributes an incremental $5.9 billion annually, driven by 19 million physician visits and additional healthcare needs. ➡️ Productivity Losses: Workplace impacts such as absenteeism, presenteeism, and reduced workforce participation cost an estimated $21.7 billion yearly, over three times the direct healthcare expenses. ➡️ Government Revenue Loss: An estimated $5.1 billion in lost income and tax revenue due to premature deaths and reduced workforce participation. Obesity’s impacts go beyond health, influencing economic stability, workforce productivity, and even gender equity in employment. Women in the workforce face notable disparities, including a 4% income gap and 5.3% lower employment rates compared to healthy-weight women. “This report should be a collective wake-up call,” says Ian Patton, director of Advocacy and Public Engagement at Obesity Canada. "It’s time to see obesity for what it is – a complex disease that requires comprehensive chronic disease management.” Action Needed: Obesity Canada urges Canadian provinces and territories to formally recognize obesity as a chronic disease and calls for investment in early interventions and accessible treatments to prevent further health and economic strain on Canadians. Let’s work together to treat obesity with the comprehensive approach it demands. #ChronicDisease #HealthEquity #EmployeeWellness Ian Patton Lisa Schaffer Sean Wharton Sanjeev Sockalingam Ethan Pigott https://ow.ly/sGUQ50U4E2c