Navigating Obesity Management: Insights from Osteopathic Physicians

Lecture Description:

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the challenge of obesity demands our collective attention and strategic insights. Osteopathic physicians focused on whole person care can play a pivotal role in addressing the rising tide of obesity in the United States. An important step in optimizing treatment for patients with weight concerns is understanding the level of care that is routinely provided by primary care physicians and identifying gaps in care that, if closed, may lead to improved patient outcomes. This insightful presentation delves into the critical landscape of obesity management in the United States, specifically focusing on the adherence of osteopathic primary care physicians to the Obesity Medical Association's (OMA) obesity treatment algorithm. A comprehensive overview of findings from a recent quantitative correlational study addressing the current challenges and opportunities in the field will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Physician Adherence to Obesity Treatment Guidelines: - Participants will learn the degree to which osteopathic primary care physicians adhere to obesity treatment guidelines based on the findings of the quantitative correlational study.
•  Identify Factors Influencing Physician Guideline Adherence: - Attendees will gain insights into the psychometric and demographic factors that significantly predict osteopathic physicians' adherence to obesity treatment guidelines, including participation in obesity-related continuing education and attitudes measured by the NEW Attitudes Scale.
• Examine Current Challenges in Obesity Management: - The presentation will explore current challenges in obesity management faced by primary care physicians, including time constraints, attitudes towards patients with obesity, and gaps in adherence to specific aspects of treatment guidelines.
• Discuss the Impact of Continuing Education on Guideline Adherence: - Physicians will understand the role of continuing education in improving guideline adherence, with a focus on specific areas such as behavior change strategies, behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and medical weight management programs.
• Explore Opportunities & Strategies for Improving Patient Outcomes in Obesity Management: - Participants will explore strategies for enhancing patient outcomes in obesity management, including the importance of aligning patient care with the obesity treatment guidelines, addressing biases, and increasing collaboration with other healthcare providers, and nutrition and exercise professionals.
• Analyze Attitudes and Beliefs Impacting Patient Care: - Attendees will analyze physician attitudes and beliefs towards patients with obesity, assessing the impact of these attitudes on treatment effectiveness, patient motivation, and the overall management of overweight and obese patients.

Disclosures: 

None Reported 

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) is accredited by the AOA to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. 

Grievance Policy: 

OPSC strives to provide continuing medical education programs to fulfill the needs of the attendees and to meet the AOA Uniform Guidelines and AOA Accreditation Requirements. Comments, questions, or complaints should be forwarded to OPSC, by calling the OPSC Office at 916-822-5246 or by email to opsc@opsc.org.