Health Meets Food: The Culinary Medicine Conference

Obesity was officially recognized as a chronic disease by the AMA in 2013. It contributes to both morbidity and mortality from numerous medical conditions including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and some cancers. The most recent data from the CDC shows the prevalence of obesity is 30-35% in 20 US states and is greater than 35% in 5 (LA, AR, MS, AL, WV). The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the US is now $147 - $210 billion and rising. Given these facts it is imperative that health care professionals be prepared to assist patients in their weight loss efforts.
Since 2012 four new anti-obesity medications have been approved for long-term use by the FDA. Despite this, less than 2% of qualifying patients receive a prescription for anti-obesity medication. This talk will review the use of both new and older anti-obesity medications, along with the details of concern to both patients and prescribers. In addition we will look at which commonly prescribed medications might be associated with both weight gain and loss when used for other indications.