Transforming Patient Care with the Obesity Algorithm: Practical Insights On-Demand-Transforming Patient Care Slides

Transforming Patient Care Slides

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This document presents a comprehensive approach to evaluating and managing adults with obesity/adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD) using the AACE Obesity Algorithm. The authors emphasize obesity as a chronic disease requiring empathetic, individualized, and long-term care focused on whole-person health, shared decision-making, and staged treatment plans aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing complications.<br /><br />Key insights include using BMI alongside waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio to assess cardiometabolic risk, recognizing obesity-related complications and diseases involving organ dysfunction caused by excess adiposity. Staging disease severity (e.g., Stage 3 in the presented case) guides treatment options.<br /><br />A case study of a 42-year-old woman with obesity-related conditions such as prediabetes, hypertension, MASLD, and osteoarthritis illustrates algorithm application. Evaluation involved detailed anthropometrics, labs, comorbidity review, and acknowledgment of patient goals emphasizing function and symptom relief rather than weight alone.<br /><br />Treatment modalities include lifestyle and behavioral interventions, pharmacotherapy, and metabolic bariatric surgery. Medication choices are individualized considering obesity-related conditions (e.g., diabetes prevention, hypertension, MASLD) and involve agents like semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, and others. Management of side effects, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms from GLP-1 receptor agonists, involves slow dose titration and dietary adjustments.<br /><br />Practical clinical tips stress addressing obstructive sleep apnea screening, setting SMART exercise goals, screening for eating disorders, and reducing weight stigma by using respectful patient-first language and creating bias-safe environments.<br /><br />Follow-up focuses on health improvement, therapy goals, and equitable, comprehensive long-term care. The algorithm fosters integration of evidence-based therapies, individualized plans, and empathetic communication to transform patient care in obesity/adiposity-based chronic disease.

Keywords

AACE Obesity Algorithm

obesity management

adiposity-based chronic disease

BMI assessment

cardiometabolic risk

obesity-related complications

lifestyle interventions

pharmacotherapy

metabolic bariatric surgery

patient-centered care