Obesity is a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease with a distinct pathophysiology that is increasingly prevalent in the United States. Primary care clinicians can reduce the burden of obesity and obesity-related complications by opportunistically diagnosing and initiating obesity management interventions for their patients.

In this activity, recorded from National Association for Continuing Education’s 2024 Emerging Challenges and Clinical Updates in Primary Care, in collaboration with the American Academy of Physician Associates and The Obesity Society, Drs. Angela Golden and Robert F. Kushner, and PA Karli Burridge discuss the pathophysiology of obesity and its effects on cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disease. They highlight explicit and implicit biases associated with obesity and describe strategies to minimize bias toward individuals affected by obesity to optimize clinical encounters. Finally, they provide an overview of a multi-component approach to obesity that includes lifestyle intervention, behavioral therapy, and pharmacologic treatment.

Learning Objectives

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At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease with a distinct pathophysiology
• Use non-stigmatizing communication and behaviors to minimize bias toward individuals with obesity
• Discuss a multi-component approach to obesity management that includes lifestyle intervention, behavioral therapy, and pharmacologic treatment

Acknowledgement of Commercial Support

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This educational activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Lilly; and an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc.