Obesity Evaluate

The Evaluate step includes strategies and resources to:

Work collaboratively with patients to establish short-term and long-term weight management goals.
Recommend individualized weight management interventions—including physical activity, nutritional, counseling, behavioral, pharmacotherapy, digital health, and surgical options—and work with older adults to implement them.  
Educate older adults to manage common adverse effects associated with obesity medications and ensure adequate macro- and micronutrient intake and physical activity (aerobic and strength training) in the presence of reduced caloric intake and weight loss.
Adapt interventions as appropriate when sarcopenic obesity is present.

Practice Pearl | Treat Obesity as a Chronic Disease

John A. Batsis, MD, FACP, AGSF, FTOS, FGSA, Associate Professor, School of Medicine (Geriatric Medicine), Gillings School of Global Public Health (Nutrition)

Obesity as a chronic disease is often not overtly identified and managed, especially in older adults with multiple comorbidities. Lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery can reduce mortality, nursing home placement, healthcare costs, and importantly improve quality of life and physical function.