Overview

Over 73%   of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese and there are over 3.4 million estimated deaths annually attributed to obesity.   The obesity epidemic does not have a single or simple solution. Clinician bias can affect the way obese patients are treated. A multi-factorial approach is needed to treat this complex problem, and early intervention and recognition will help to support the adoption of healthy lifestyles.

Objectives

At the conclusion of the session, the participants should be able to:

• Recognize the impact of obesity on population health management.
• Examine the evidence and rationale supporting the recognition and treatment of obesity as a chronic condition.
• Discuss methods to improve the care of obese patients through proactive interventions.
• Summarize the most recent updates in guidelines for addressing obesity as a chronic disease.