VIDEO: When managing obesity-related complications, start with the obesity, expert says

Obesity is the root cause of at least 237 health conditions and 22 cancers, according to a speaker at the Obesity Medicine Association Spring Conference.

“In fact, 40% of all cancers are related to obesity,” Sandra Christensen, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, FOMA, an obesity medicine specialist and owner of Integrative Medical Weight Management in Seattle, said during the presentation. “So, when we are treating obesity, we are preventing cancer or we’re improving a patient’s chance of beating their cancer if they already have it or preventing a recurrence in those who have had it in the past.”

In this video, Christensen, who is also a board trustee for the Obesity Medicine Association and the Washington Obesity Society, discusses highlights from her presentation and offers advice on how clinicians can best manage obesity-related complications.

“When we’re faced with patients who have both obesity and obesity-related complications, the best strategy is to address the obesity,” she told Healio. “We know that all kinds of pathogenic changes are going on in the body because of the excess adiposity. If we can target that, then we will really help to resolve those complications, or at least improve them.”

Reference:

Christensen S. Managing obesity-related complications. Presented at: Obesity Medical Association conference; April 27-May 1, 2022; (hybrid meeting).