Working with Patients with Obesity: Addressing Weight Stigma, Frailty and Obesity Medicine Updates

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic and complex disease that can negatively impact health, functioning and quality of life. In the past decade, obesity prevalence's largest growth occurred in older adults, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. By the year 2030, an estimated 50% of the population over 65 is likely to be obese. Until recently, little attention has been given to obesity as a chronic disease, and those living with obesity encounter challenges accessing high quality medical care. Despite growing evidence for bariatric and obesity medicine, these treatments remain inaccessible for most patients. Obesity medicine is a newer and growing field, yet research that is focused on older adults with obesity lags behind. This symposium will focus on three areas related to obesity and older adults. Dr. Gentry will discuss weight stigma, often encountered by patients with obesity in the healthcare setting, and its impact on emotional and physical health. Cases and group discussion will be used to explore potential weight bias amongst participants and discuss strategies to mitigate this bias in working with older adults. Dr. Beito will review the complex connections between obesity and frailty syndrome in older adults. This session will engage the audience with case examples focusing on evidence-based treatment recommendations to help those individuals experiencing both obesity and frailty syndrome. Dr. Boyle will review the evaluation of patients with concerns about obesity, focusing on the potential role of psychiatrists and other mental health providers. Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic tools will be discussed so psychiatrists and mental health providers can consider options to implement in one's own practice or to refer patients for weight management services. Ultimately, the goal is to raise awareness of this complex problem and provide clinically helpful information to improve care for older patients with obesity.This symposium is sponsored by the AAGP's IDEA committee.