Improving Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment through Endocrinology and Primary Care Collaboration-Advanced Therapeutics for Obesity Beyond Lifestyle Interventions

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Jamie Almendares, Medical Director for the UT Southwestern Weight Wellness Program, discusses advanced therapies for obesity beyond lifestyle. He outlines the criteria for considering bariatric surgery based on the 1991 NIH consensus statement, which includes a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 39 with weight-related comorbidities, or a BMI of 40 or greater without comorbidities. Dr. Almendares highlights the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in managing obesity and cardiometabolic complications, noting that rates of mortality and complications have decreased due to advances in techniques and training. He also discusses the updated guidelines proposed by professional societies, recommending bariatric surgery for those with a BMI of 35 or greater, regardless of comorbidities. Other topics covered include the varying weight reduction outcomes of different bariatric procedures, the impact of weight loss on diabetes remission and cardiovascular outcomes, the use of anti-obesity medications as adjuncts to lifestyle interventions, and promising future therapies such as multi-receptor agonists. Dr. Almendares emphasizes the need to treat obesity as a chronic disease and increase the utilization of advanced therapies to improve outcomes for patients.

Keywords

obesity

advanced therapies

bariatric surgery

BMI

comorbidities

cardiometabolic complications

mortality

weight reduction outcomes