CME | Slim Solutions: Navigating Weight Loss Medications

The CME on the Go series of the Inside Family Medicine podcast lets you earn up to 0.5 CME credits per episode — join the hosts as they dive into the complexities of weight loss medications, from historical perspectives to modern practices. Discover the nuanced conversations around BMI, patient-centered care, and the latest in weight loss treatments.

The hosts explore the history and controversies surrounding BMI, off-label medication use, and the evolution of weight loss treatments from the 1800s to today. The conversation emphasizes the need for patient-centered language, compassionate care, and a comprehensive approach that includes both lifestyle and pharmacological interventions. The hosts also touch on the mental health implications of obesity and the importance of forming a supportive partnership with patients.

Your hosts for this episode are Lauren Brown-Berchtold, MD, FAAFP, program director for the San Joaquin General Family Medicine Residency in French Camp, Calif.; Jason Marker, MD, MPA, FAAFP, associate director of the Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency program in South Bend, Ind.; and Tamaan Osborne-Roberts, MD, MBA, FAAFP, chief medical officer and vice president of health strategy at the public sector health plan Colorado Access.

Whether you're navigating patient queries or seeking to enhance your clinical knowledge, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for family physicians. Tune in now and earn CME credit with every listen!

Credit Claiming After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link. https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/15313/e

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover the mechanisms of action of common weight loss drugs.
2. Evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of weight loss medications.
3. Discuss the appropriate indications, contraindications, and monitoring parameters for prescribing weight loss drugs in clinical practice.

References
Li, Z., Hong, K., Yip, I., Huerta, S., Bowerman, S., Walker, J., Wang, H., Elashoff, R., Go, V. L., & Heber, D. (2003). Body weight loss with phentermine alone versus phentermine and fenfluramine with very-low-calorie diet in an outpatient obesity management program: A retrospective study. Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical and Experimental, 64(7), 447-460. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-393X(03)00126-7

American Academy of Family Physicians. (2022). Several drugs are effective for weight loss in obese or overweight adults; it is unclear whether they improve health outcomes. American Family Physician, 106(1), online. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0700/poems-weight-loss-drugs.html

American Academy of Family Physicians. (2023). Medications to promote weight loss: Guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association. American Family Physician, 108(4), 424-426. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/1000/practice-guidelines-medications-weight-loss.html

The New York Times. (1997, September 23). How fen-phen, a diet miracle, rose and fell. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/23/science/how-fen-phen-a-diet-miracle-rose-and-fell.html

Resources
AAFP: Treatment of Patients with Obesity -
AAFP: Practical Approaches to Improving Obesity Care, members-only free CME
AAFP: Addressing Health Disparities for Patients with Obesity, a free practice manual
ADA-AAFP Collaborative Podcasts: Medical Management of Overweight and Obesity | Journals Gateway | American Diabetes Association (diabetesjournals.org)

Topics by Timestamp

• 00:00 Introduction to CME On the Go
• 00:44 Meet the Hosts
• 01:16 Episode Overview: Weight Loss Medications
• 01:36 Patient Conversations on Weight Loss
• 03:25 Historical Context of Obesity in Medicine
• 07:43 BMI and Its Controversies
• 12:41 Medication Management for Obesity
• 17:52 Modern Weight Loss Medications
• 23:22 Partnering with Patients on Weight Loss
• 28:03 Future Topics and Resources
• 28:42 Moments of Gratitude
• 30:05 Conclusion and CME Information

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity.
All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Disclaimer:  Copyright 2024. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP.  The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.  AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.  Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.