This is an exciting month for those of us who have an interest in obesity. I just returned from the first-ever "Obesity Week" conference, which combined the annual conferences of The Obesity Society (TOS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Thousands of experts gathered to discuss the latest in obesity science, research, clinical treatment and public health initiatives.

One of the most talked about highlights of the conference was the release of the long-awaited clinical practice guidelines for overweight and obesity management, released in concert by American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and The Obesity Society (TOS). The guidelines update the 1998 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute "Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults," which has guided our field for the last decade and a half.

As the first official obesity guidelines to be released in 15 years, and amidst an epidemic that affects most Americans, I think some expected these guidelines to contain the definitive answer to end obesity. Although such a revelation would indeed be nice, obesity is far too complex of a problem to be solved by a single publication, theory, or potion. Instead, these guidelines were created to sift through the published literature to ground our field in evidence-based principles, in order to improve the management of people who have obesity and obesity-related health problems.

There has been much discussion surrounding what is missing from the guidelines, including pharmacotherapy and physical activity. But, despite this, the guidelines serve as a solid start for those on the frontlines of treatment - primary care providers. As co-chair of the Guidelines team, Donna Ryan, MD said, "We are asking primary care providers not just to recommend weight loss for patients who need it. We are asking them to assist these patients in achieving weight loss so as to achieve weight benefits. Providers must do more than provide advice; they must refer to or direct weight loss therapy."

And that's what these guidelines do: they outline a roadmap to empower clinicians and provide them with a framework to help their approach to obesity management.

And perhaps most importantly, the guidelines reaffirm and provide consensus on some of the core principles of obesity management, such as what defines successful weight loss. As reiterated by these new guidelines, modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can result in clinically important improvements in health, feeling and functioning. This important message is - and has been - one of STOP's guiding principles. It simply can't be stated enough - the path to better health begins with one step (or percent) at a time.

The events of the past week - the joint Obesity Week meeting and the publication of the new guidelines - are two essential steps that will benefit this field over the course of time.

ASMBS and TOS Host First Annual Obesity Week

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and The Obesity Society (TOS) hosted Obesity Week Nov. 11-16 in Atlanta, Ga. The international event brought experts together to discuss innovation in obesity science as well as advances in care and management. Conference topics included the basic science of obesity, surgical interventions and prevention of obesity, among others. Read more about the event here.

AHA Hosts Annual Scientific Sessions

American Heart Association (AHA) held its annual Scientific Sessions Nov. 16-20 in Dallas, Texas. The sessions covered a variety of topics all centered on cardiovascular health, including late breaking clinical trials, caffeine's affect on the body and physical fitness. To learn more about the event, click here.

ACC, AHA, and TOS Release Obesity Guidelines

American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and The Obesity Society (TOS) released new guidelines on the management of overweight and obesity. The recommendations focus on helping primary care providers to address weight management and the health of their patients, as well as to tailor weight-loss treatments for individuals. Read the guidelines here.

TOS and OAC Representatives Release Employee Wellness Program Study

The Obesity Society's (TOS) Ted Kyle, RPh, and Obesity Action Coalition's (OAC) Joe Nadglowski co-authored a study, "Employer Wellness Programs, Weight Outcome Hurdles and Obesity Treatment Access," which examines the structure of employee wellness programs in terms of addressing obesity. The study surveyed more than 5,000 employees who were required to participate in wellness programs to qualify for full health benefits and found that 59 percent of employers did not cover obesity treatments, despite commonly setting weight, diet, and exercise goals for employees. Click here to read more.

'Food Addiction' May Be at Root of Some Obesity

November 14, 2013

MedPage Today

By Kristina Fiore

Data presented at Obesity Week show that behaviors associated with food addiction are closely tied to obesity, with a prevalence of nearly eight percent of overweight and obese individuals exhibiting food addiction. The article notes that compared to psychiatrists, obesity experts are more likely to accept that binge eating is an addictive disorder.

The Co-Villains Behind Obesity's Rise

November 9, 2013

The New York Times

By Sendhil Mullainathan

The article, written by a behavioral economist, discusses the theory that obesity is caused by a mixture of biology and behavioral decisions. According to the article, which cites numerous studies, biology and behavior often interact and that that raises important possibilities as to the factors behind obesity.

Family Meals May Keep Kids, Parents at Healthy Weight

November 6, 2013

HealthDay

By Robert Preidt

Children are less likely to be overweight if they eat meals with their families without the television on and stay seated until everyone is finished, according to a study published in Obesity. Study researchers found strong, positive socialization skills during family dinners may override children's need to overeat. 

November 1, 2013

Contemporary Pediatrics

According to the article, pediatricians have a critical role in addressing childhood overweight and obesity and their success in achieving positive outcomes with individual patients depends on the spoken and unspoken messages delivered during clinical encounters. The article suggests six techniques for pediatricians to achieve positive outcomes including expressing empathy, keeping it positive, being realistic, making it a team effort, building confidence, and being on the patients' side.