Obesity research: What you need to know

According to the CDC, more than one in three adults has obesity, putting them at risk for diseases such as certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This is not just a problem in adults; additional CDC research shows one in six children and adolescents is considered obese, too.

The condition takes more than a toll on one’s health; it impacts medical costs too. The latest research shows patients with obesity have medical costs that are $1,429 higher than those of normal weight, and annual obesity-related medical costs for one year was $147 billion.

Despite politicians, law and policy makers, education and medical groups making obesity one of the issues they frequently address, there is still work to be done, according to Asheley Cockrell Skinner, MD of the department of medicine at Duke University.

“There is no evidence of a decline in obesity prevalence in any age group, despite substantial clinical and policy efforts targeting the issue,” she wrote in Obesity.

In recognition of ObesityWeek, Healio Family Medicine presents some of the latest obesity research for clinicians.

AACE unveils new clinical practice guideline for obesity management

A patient-centric approach to obesity management that individualizes treatment and focuses on overall health — not just weight loss — can optimize outcomes and improve safety, according to a new clinical practice guideline released by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Read more

Primary care interventions aimed at obesity not effective, new strategies needed

Obesity counseling and guidance in primary care has little effect on BMI, and new practice guidelines and novel approaches are needed to address this, according to data published in Pediatrics. Read more

Improvements in pediatric obesity recognition, treatment needed

Efforts to improve the diagnosis and treatment of obesity must include attention to younger, less obese patients, as well as those with primary diagnoses not directly related to obesity, according to data presented at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition. Read more

Genes, environment interact to increase obesity risk in adults

Obesity has a strong genetic component, and people with a high genetic and environmental risk are particularly susceptible, according to findings presented at the 52nd European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting. Read more

Obesity linked with increased inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes

High sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell counts are increased in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, according to study findings at an AACE conference earlier this year. Read more

CV implications of newer obesity medications

Lifestyle interventions are the mainstay of treatment, but pharmacotherapy may be considered as an adjunct for adults with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² or a BMI of at least 27 kg/m² with at least one obesity-related comorbidity. Read more