Obesity Medicine Intervention at an Academic Medical Center in a Resource-Limited Population Shows Promise

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction. Obesity disproportionately affects some non-White and low-socioeconomic-status Americans. Medical obesity treatment includes aggressive lifestyle interventions with medications when applicable. We evaluated a physician-led, resource-limited obesity medicine program. Methods. This retrospective review included 98 adults with BMI >30 completing three or more obesity medicine physician visits, without bariatric surgery before or during Oct 2019–Feb 2022 at an academic medical center in Newark, N.J. Outcomes included changes in weight, HbA1c, blood pressure, and lipids. Results. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of patients lost weight, with one-third losing 5% or more of total weight. Almost 30% (29.3%) gained and 2.4% maintained weight. Number of visits (p<.01) and GLP-1 receptor agonist use predicted weight loss (p<.05). Hemoglobin A1c decreased (p<.01); blood pressure and lipids did not. Conclusion. Our study shows that medical weight management programs can achieve meaningful weight loss, despite resource limitations. Patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists lost more weight compared with other agents, even on suboptimal doses.