We’ve hit a turning point in obesity education that I’m very excited about.
Professional societies are increasingly recognizing the impact of obesity on development of multiple chronic diseases and are embracing the new, highly effective obesity medications by developing specialty-specific obesity treatment guidelines, position statements, conferences and webinars to guide their members.
This week, I’ll be participating in the American Heart Association’s Obesity Summit that was presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions in Chicago, and last month I was invited to present at the American Academy of Family Physicians/Family Medicine Experience meeting in Nashville.
Healthcare professionals can now look to their own societies for guidance on the assessment and treatment of obesity.
It has taken decades to arrive at this point and we can expect expanded educational opportunities as the therapeutic landscape continues to grow.
Here are some key points to consider:
1-Recognizing Obesity Treatment as Core Disease Management
We now know that obesity contributes to over 200 health-related conditions and diseases including the 2 leading causes of death, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
We are also learning that the underlying cause of these obesity-related conditions is linked to expanded body fat that increases inflammation throughout the body and is deposited in multiple organs.
Treating obesity has now been shown to improve the outcomes of people living with type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, heart failure, coronary artery disease, knee arthritis, and fatty liver disease among many other conditions.
2-Societies are Taking the Lead to Guide Members
Obesity touches every medical specialty.
Obesity-related topics are now routinely addressed at meetings for primary care professionals, cardiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists and hepatologists, sleep medicine specialists, oncologists, physician associates and nurse practitioners, dietitians, exercise specialists, and behavior health psychologists.
These offerings complement the comprehensive 2026 Obesity Week conference by The Obesity Society that is occurring this week.
3-Expanded Access to Skilled Obesity Care
The most meaningful result to this educational shift is the direct benefit to patients.
As training reaches more specialties, patients seeking weight management will finally be able to find informed, comprehensive care directly from the healthcare professionals they already trust.
By elevating workforce training, we are building a healthcare system truly equipped to meet patients where they are.
RK
Robert Kushner, MD