Obesity is a chronic, progressive, relapsing, multifactorial disease resulting in metabolic and biomechanical morbidities and premature mortality, and its prevalence has risen to unacceptable levels in the United States and worldwide. Healthy diet, exercise, and behavioral interventions are crucial components of management but are largely unsuccessful in achieving and maintaining weight reduction sufficient to reduce morbidities and prevent premature mortality because the chronic neuroendocrine disease of obesity remains unaddressed. Despite recognition that long-term antiobesity medications and potentially bariatric procedures are required to mitigate the effects of obesity, knowledge gaps, misperceptions, and bias are highly prevalent. Recently approved and emerging antiobesity medications are revolutionizing obesity treatment by achieving long-term weight loss previously unattainable without surgical intervention. Reversing the low utilization of medication and surgical treatment begins with ending the stigmatization of patients with obesity.

The purpose of this course is to ensure that providers have current and accurate knowledge regarding the available pharmacologic and surgical options to improve outcomes among their patients, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and outcomes.

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