Dr. Carolyn T. Bramante, MD, MPH presented a grand round on Anti-Obesity Pharmacotherapy for Long-Term Obesity Management. She discussed the complexity of obesity as a disease, the physiological and genetic factors affecting it, the importance of individualizing treatment, and the effectiveness of various medications. Dr. Bramante also shared a patient example of successful weight loss in preparation for a lung transplant. She emphasized the need for frequent follow-up, individualized treatment plans, and the potential for weaning off medications after reaching target weight loss goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Bramante is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota specializing in Obesity management and remotely delivered interventions.
- Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease with societal and genetic influences.
- Prevalence of obesity varies by ethnicity and region, with a significant impact on health disparities.
- Obesity stigma affects individuals throughout their interactions with the healthcare system.
- Physiological responses to weight loss show hormonal changes that promote weight regain.
- Pillars of obesity treatment include behavioral changes, reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity, stress reduction, sleep, and medication management.
- Medications for obesity include terzapatide, liraglutide, phentermine/topiramate, and metformin, each with its own efficacy and side effect profile.
- Avoiding weight-gain promoting medications is important, especially in patients with obesity.
- Bariatric surgery and endoscopic treatment options are also available for severe cases of obesity.
- Individualized treatment plans, frequent follow-up, and the potential for weaning off medications after reaching weight loss goals are essential in obesity management.
