If you struggle with overweight or obesity, you’re probably aware of the mixed messages in the media that surround the disease of obesity as well as its treatments.
In support of Obesity Care Week, an annual public awareness campaign, I’d like to highlight some important obesity care resources:
1-Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
OAC is a 75,000-member strong not-for-profit organization that helps individuals on their journey toward better health through education, advocacy and support.
If you are someone who struggles with weight and are looking for a credible resource to stay up to date on the latest news and treatments to support your efforts, I highly recommend you check out the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) website and see the many ways they can help you.
For example, their latest Weight Matters Magazine issue focuses on how families and relationships can support or sabotage your efforts toward achieving better health.
They also have a resource library with timely articles, brochures, fact sheets, guides and videos on topics such as weight bias in the workplace, using music for self-care or food addiction.
Become informed and empowered to obtain improved obesity care by attending their in-person or virtual Weight Matters Convention that I’ve enjoyed helping to develop for the past 10 years.
The program features up to date, evidence-based information presented by the nation’s top leaders in the science and practice of obesity.
2-American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM)
Managing weight is a lifelong endeavor that may require a specialist.
Obesity medicine physician specialists are certified through the ABOM.
This is a new and growing area of specialization for physicians.
Obesity medicine specialists can help to more thoroughly review how your weight history, family history, medical history, lifestyle behaviors, current medications and labs may be influencing your weight and risk factors and make targeted recommendations for treatment.
Battling an increased appetite is one of the most significant challenges to weight loss and keeping the weight off long-term.
If you are experiencing these sensations, anti-obesity medications can be a helpful addition to your weight loss plan.
All of these medications modify signals in the brain to dampen hunger, increase fullness and lessen food cravings.
3-Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
Let’s face it that your food choices and meal planning are on everyone’s minds when managing the chronic disease of obesity.
Sometimes you need an expert to help guide you.
Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the AND is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.
And registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN’s) are the professional experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease.
If you’re having trouble following a healthy diet, I encourage you to consider making an appointment with an RDN.
You can ask your primary care professional for a referral or you can find an RDN in your area by using the Find an Expert tool on the AND website.
Remember that weight management is a team sport and you don’t have to go it alone!
RK
Robert Kushner, MD
