The World Health Organization defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.” Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes and these are among the leading causes of preventable,
premature death.
Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health indicate that more than half of adults and
1 in 4 high school and middle school students in Massachusetts are overweight or obese.
Evidence-Based Resources
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): This is a series of up-to-date practice resources and evidence-based recommendations for a general primary care physician. This easy-to-navigate page covers recommendations for obesity and obesity-related
comorbidity screening, treatment selection, practice management, and implementation tools.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): This is a set of evidence-based guidelines and resources developed for pediatricians in February 2023 to aid in the evaluation and treatment of children with obesity. In addition to a longer and more detailed
guideline document, there are also easy-to-digest clinical algorithms and implementation resources.
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), The Obesity Society (TOS), American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Obesity Medicine Association (AMA), and the American Society of Anesthesiologist: This is more
focused research from 2019 focused on recommendations centered around evidence for the clinical care of patients who undergo surgical or non-surgical bariatric procedures. The guidelines cover identifying patient candidates for bariatric procedures,
providing an overview of the procedures offered, and providing management recommendations for optimizing patient care during and after procedures. This is more specialty-specific information that may be helpful for clinicians unfamiliar with managing
post-operative bariatric surgery care for their patients.
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine - Lifestyle Medicine Core Competencies Program (LMCC): This is a series of online interactive modules that are part of the Lifestyle Medicine Core Competencies program. These modules aim to review the
epidemiology, assessment, and evaluation of weight management in a lifestyle medicine practice with a focus on nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change. This resource also outlines counseling and integrated care delivery models that align
with a lifestyle medicine-focused approach but are appropriate for any clinician.
- American College of Physicians (ACP): This is an up-to-date resource from 2023 that provides a series of web-based interactive learning modules aimed to increase physician confidence in providing counseling and treatment to patients who are
overweight or obese. This curriculum addresses multiple aspects of patient engagement and provides patient-friendly educational handouts on obesity management tools. This tool provides a general approach to obesity appropriate for any clinician.
- Obesity Management Learning Hub
- Obesity Management Learning Series Modules on Lifestyle Modification, Pharmacotherapy, and Bariatric Surgery
- Obesity Patient Education Materials
- CME/MOC credit available upon completion of modules
- Obesity Medicine Association (OMA): This is an updated resource from July 2023 that includes an adult and pediatric Obesity Algorithm. These algorithms are living documents that are updated yearly; they currently include a 180-slide deck that offers
evidence-based recommendations for obesity management, pharmacotherapy selection, and resources for nutrition education, combating food insecurity, and managing behavioral health related to obesity. This resource is appropriate for a clinician
who wants to become very well-versed in obesity management.
Related Organizations
- The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition
professionals and is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of nutrition and dietetics through research, education, and advocacy.
- American Board of Obesity Medicine
The American Board of Obesity Medicine serves the public and the field of obesity medicine by maintaining
standards for assessment and credentialing physicians.
- The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery is a membership
organization of general surgeons and integrated healthcare professionals practicing in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery dedicated to improving the lives of people with obesity and related diseases by advancing the art and science of
metabolic and bariatric surgery and other interventions.
- The Obesity Action Coalition
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a more than 80,000 member-strong 501(c)(3) National nonprofit organization
dedicated to serving the needs of every individual affected by obesity through education, advocacy, and support.
- The Obesity Medicine Association
The Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) is the largest organization of physicians, nurse practitioners,
physician assistants, and other health care providers working every day to improve the lives of patients affected by obesity. OMA members are clinical experts in obesity medicine. They use a comprehensive, scientific, and individualized approach
when treating obesity, which helps patients achieve their health and weight goals. OMA offers resources, education, and community to physicians and other health care providers in the field of obesity medicine.
- The Obesity Society
The Obesity Society (TOS) is a scientific membership organization dedicated to advocating for and promoting the highest quality in
research, clinical care, education, and policy development to address the needs of people living with obesity.
- The Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance
The Strategies to Overcome and Prevent
(STOP) Obesity Alliance is made up of a diverse group of business, consumer, government, advocacy, and health organizations dedicated to reversing the obesity epidemic in the United States. Drawing on the strengths of the collaborative, STOP conducts
research, makes policy recommendations, and develops hands-on tools for providers, advocacy groups, policymakers, and consumers.
Other CME Opportunities
Created: 2/21/2024
