ASBP Obesity Medicine e-Weekly: Oct. 9, 2012

The October issue of ASBP Capitol Resource, the society's monthly advocacy newsletter, is now available for download. Read about these topics in this month's issue:

Federal oversight of state EHB benchmark plan submissions
FDA patient-centered efforts could focus on obesity
Obesity community promotes MHA-sponsored Hill briefing on mental health and obesity

Resources
Obesity Updates: Click titles to view articles

Rate of severe obesity is on the rise

Clinically severe obesity (BMI > 40kg / m²) involves far more serious health consequences than moderate obesity and creates challenges for clinicians. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a new study from the RAND Corporation found that between the years of 2000 and 2010, the proportion of Americans who were severely obese rose from 3.9 percent of the population to 6.6 percent-- an increase of about 70 percent. However, the good news is that beginning in 2005, the rapid growth of the severely obese group began to flatten out, and the prevalence of clinically severe obesity appears to be increasing at a slower rate in recent years.

Why do individuals not lose more weight from exercise intervention?

In order to lose weight, energy expenditure must exceed energy intake; therefore, most weight loss recommendations advise combining a hypo-caloric diet with an exercise component in order to achieve an energy deficit. However, weight loss resulting from an exercise intervention tends to be lower than predicted. The low levels of weight loss have led to several questions regarding the effects of regular exercise on body weight and the reasons why the energy deficit is smaller than predicted. This review critically evaluates the reasons for low exercise-induced weight loss.

2010 census shows doctor visits are decreasing

Data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation shows that Americans of working age (18 to 64) are going to the doctor less frequently than they were 10 years ago. There are several proposed reasons for the decline, which mostly revolve around the changing demographics of the population. The report highlighted the sharp difference in medical usage by income. The report also revealed that people without insurance are less likely to visit a doctor, and the share of uninsured working-age people has expanded over the past decade. For more details on the relationship between medical usage and other demographic and economic characteristics, visit the link to view the entire report.

Education

Interested in learning how new obesity treatment medications may affect your practice?

VIVUS, Inc., announced last month that Qsymia™ is now available in the United States for prescription. (Click here to learn more.) To answer your questions on this topic and other obesity treatment medications, ASBP is offering two educational sessions on Saturday, Oct. 27, during the Obesity Course, which is part of the during the Annual Obesity & Associated Conditions Symposium in Orlando, Fla.

Anti-obesity Medication on the Horizon

- Harold Bays, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E., F.N.L.A. (Louisville, Ky.)

- Frank Greenway, M.D. (Baton Rouge, La.)

- Donna Ryan, M.D. (Baton, Rouge, La.)

There has been a great increase in the incidence of obesity during the past 30 years; however, there are limited advances in the pharmacotherapy of this condition. With the appearance of new obesity treatment drugs that have been or may soon be approved for use in the treatment of obesity, 2012 is a milestone year in the world of obesity medicine. This panel discussion will provide an overview of the mechanisms of action for Qsymia, Belviq and Contrave, including time for questions and answers regarding their use.

Using Phentermine, Topiramate and/or Qsymia

- Ed J. Hendricks, M.D., F.A.S.B.P. (Roseville, Calif.)

Phentermine and topiramate mono-therapy and combinations for obesity treatment will be discussed. Results with fixed doses (i.e., Qsymia) from clinical trials will be compared with flexible dosing. Prevalence of use among clinicians, as discovered through the ASBP 2012 Prescribing Practices Survey, will be reviewed. Long-term safety issues will be examined.

The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) is a medical professional association for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are focused on the treatment and management of overweight and obese patients and their related conditions and co-morbidities. ASBP is the primary source for clinical education and training for the medical management of obesity.

Advertising Disclaimer

Under a policy approved by the ASBP Executive Committee and Exhibitor/Advertiser Review Committee, commercial companies may apply to advertise in society publications. Approval does not imply ASBP's endorsement or official recognition of particular products and/or services. This policy also applies to books and products marketed on behalf of ASBP members.